Came across the historic Silver Creek Ranger Station just before entering the northern boundries of Mount Rainier National Park, where we stopped to get local conditions updates and to take in the scenery
Driving up to the historic Silver Creek Ranger Station
This marker documents the history of the Ranger Station.
1915-1930 "The original Silver Creek Ranger Station was established near this site following World War 1. During the early days, this building would have seemed like a remote outpost in a dense forest. The closest town of Enumclaw was located 35 miles away by a primitive dirt road. The Ranger's work activities in these days included: (1) Establishing a government (US Forest Service) presence in the area. (2) Scouting for and suppressing forest fires. Building fire "lookouts" on top of high ridges. (3) Survey and plot of "summer-home" cabin sites for recreational use on National Forest lands.
1930-1970 "The original Silver Creek Ranger Station burned to the ground in 1930. Today's log structure was built the following year. The building was used as an office, with additional buildings constructed in the back lot to serve as the beginnings of a work center. Forest Service work activities during this time period were: (1) Design and construction of a road network for timber harvest, fire patrol, and forest access. Plan and layout of timber sales. (2) Stringing of telephone line from Ranger Stations to Fire Lookouts and Guard Stations. (3) Establishment of a Forest recreation program including the planning and construction of campgrounds, hiking, & horse trails, and ski areas.
1970-present "The current building serves as a visitor contact point during the heavy-use summer season. This rustic log structure has been restored and preserved by the U.S. Forest Service as an example of its pioneering heritage. Forest Service work activities during this time period are: (1) Expansion of site into major work center complete with employee housing. (2) Serves as a prime visitor contact point along Highway 410 (Mather Memorial Parkway). (3) Staging ground for current Forest Service activities, including: recreation projects, watershed restoration, native plant studies, trail maintenance, and wildfire control.
Closeup of the moss covered wood shingles of the historic building and the trees beyond
The area around the Ranger Station was a relaxing combination Fir trees and moss covered ground that will need to be explored further on the next trip
Could have walked around here all day long and not get bored
The remains of what was probably a Douglas Fir, now being overgrown by many varieties of moss and lichens
Closeup of (what I think is) a type of lichen growing off the stump, but I could not figure out what kind based on the google searches
Closeup of lichen growing on some of the brush, with some hanging moss that has found it's way to to the same branch
More moss on the forest floor
Closeup of (what I think is) Western Hemlock saplings
Another tree stump of what was probably a Douglas Fir that was behind the Ranger Station
Various mosses, lichen and pine needle debris on top of the tree stump
Closeup of the treestump. The exposed part wood was brittle enough to be pulled apart like chicken from a bone
Obligatory photo of the foot
