If you are exploring the history of Tacoma, Washington, you should know the story of the Camp 6 Logging Museum. Located on a 14-acre forested site inside Point Defiance Park, this National Registered Historic Place was established in 1964 to preserve regional logging heritage. Designed by logging engineers, the former museum featured several historic buildings, bunk cars, bunk houses, and over 500 tons of railroad and logging equipment, much of which was powered by steam.
You would have seen a replica of an operating railroad that connected working sites directly to the camp's living quarters. While the museum was operated by volunteers from 1989 until its closure in December 2010 due to lack of funding, its memory lives on throughout the region. By 2012, all equipment was relocated to other facilities across Washington, Oregon, and California, including the Polson Museum and the Roots of Motive Power Museum.
Following an extensive site clean-up, the property was returned to Metro Parks Tacoma and later hosted the Tacoma School District's Science and Math Institute (SAMI). While the original exhibit no longer operates, visiting Point Defiance Park lets you appreciate the natural, forested setting that once brought Washington's rich timber history to life.
What to see at Camp 6 Logging Museum
- Located on a 14-acre forested site in Point Defiance Park
- Featured over 500 tons of railroad and logging equipment
- Included a replica operating railroad connecting working sites to bunk cars
- Recognized as a National Registered Historic Place
Visiting tips
Look for historic Camp 6 equipment relocated to partner sites like the Polson Museum in Hoquiam, Washington, or the Roots of Motive Power Museum in California.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Camp 6 Logging Museum is easy to reach on Tacoma’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of Glass and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tacoma travel guide.
See the full Tacoma travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.