Eighteen miles southeast of Enumclaw on State Highway 410, King County.

Acreage

618.90 acres with 19,800 feet of freshwater frontage on the White River.

Acquired

The park was acquired in four parcels; the first in 1941 and the last in 1971, for a total cost of $224,464.

Historical Background

The park was dedicated in 1949, by Governor Langley, as a state park. In 1958, Ms. Catherine Montgomery, a pioneer educator, willed $89,000 to the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs. This money was used to build the Catherine Montgomery Interpretive Center, constructed in 1964. The Federation of Women's Clubs also donated funds for the addition of living quarters to the interpretive center; the publication of the Fred Cleator Interpretive Trails guide book; the Federation Forest brochure; the installation of two display panels in the outdoor display shelter, as well as additional improvements to the outdoor display shelter; and audio visual equipment within the interpretive center. A meeting room was added to the Visitor Center during the 1977­79 biennium, with a $17,000 donation from the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs. Video equipment worth $6,000 was given to the park in 1990, and a $1,000 drinking fountain was donated and installed in 1991.

Facilities

Fifty-one picnic sites, parking for 70 vehicles, 1 interpretive center, comfort station, apartment, park aide quarters, manager's residence, storage buildings, shop,vault toilets, 2 kitchen shelters, 3 interpretive display shelters, 3 interpretive trails, 1.75 miles total, 9.5 miles of hiking trail and 5.7 miles of road.

Of Special Interest

There are remnants of the 1850s wagon road, old Highway 5 of the early 1900s, and the newer Highway 410. The cabin remains from the old homestead claimed for timber in the 1800s, and the cabin remains from forest fire wardens of the 1930s - 1960s. There are Springboard notches from early logging, bridge turnbuckles, and telegraph insulators from the days of the CCC. History awaits the visitor at this Old Growth forest.

Activities

Catherine Montgomery Interpretive Center, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and cross country skiing. Guided walks are available by making appointments with the Park Ranger.