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NWHA Events Schedule

The NWHA sponsors a number of tactical events and living history events each year. Most tactical events are held in Oregon. The two primary locations are Camp Rilea OR and Camp Adair OR. For more information about an event please contact the Event Coordinator for that event .

Notice: All NWHA Tactical and/or Training events are closed to the public and spectators. This restriction is for safety reasons as well as for historical realism.

NWHA Living History and/or Public Battle events are open to the public.

Non-NWHA participants MUST have prior approval and follow all NWHA Bylaws, Policies, and safety rules.

If you are not an NWHA Member and you are interested in participating in one of our events, please carefully read our Information page and our Visitor Information page.

NWHA Event Sites
Specific Site Information
 
Camp Rilea OR
Fort Stevens State Park OR
Camp Adair OR
Evergreen Aviation Museum, McMinnville OR
Biak Training Center, Redmond OR
4-H Conference Center, Salem OR
Fort Lewis WA
Stabler WA
Camp Withycombe OR
Mt Hood OR
 
Overview Map of Event Sites
 
Click Map for Larger Image
 
NWHA Events Schedule
Approved Future NWHA Events
 
When Where What
Jun 19-21, 2009 Stabler WA (CANCELLED) Tactical - Western Front
Jul 17-19, 2009 Fort Stevens OR Public Battle/Living History
Sep 18-20, 2009 Biak TC OR Tactical - Western Front
Oct 16-18, 2009 Camp Rilea OR Tactical - Western Front
Additional events and changes to be announced as appropriate.
Past NWHA Events
 
When Where
May 15-16, 2009 Fort Lewis WA
Mar 13-15, 2009 Camp Rilea OR
Jan 15-18, 2009 Stabler WA
Nov 21-23, 2008 Camp Withycombe OR
Oct 03-05, 2008 Camp Rilea OR
Sep 26-28, 2008 Summit Meadows OR (CANCELLED)
Sep 19-21, 2008 Biak TC OR
Aug 14-16, 2008 Portland Expo Center OR
Jul 18-20, 2008 Fort Stevens OR
Jun 20-22, 2008 Camp Withycombe OR
Jun 13-15, 2008 Timberline Lodge OR (CANCELLED)
May 16-17, 2008 Fort Lewis WA
May 16-17, 2008 Camp Withycombe OR
Apr 18-20, 2008 Camp Rilea OR (CANCELLED)
Mar 14-16, 2008 Camp Rilea OR
Jan 18-20, 2008 Stabler WA
Nov 10-11, 2007 Veterans' Day Parades
Oct 12-14, 2007 Camp Rilea OR
Sep 28-30, 2007 Mt Hood OR
Sep 14-16, 2007 Biak Training Center OR
Jul 20-22, 2007 Fort Stevens OR
Jul 06-08, 2007 Camp Rilea OR
Jun 15-17, 2007 Stabler WA (CANCELLED)
May 18-19, 2007 Camp Withycombe OR
May 18-19, 2007 Fort Lewis WA
Mar 30-Apr 01, 2007 Camp Rilea OR
Feb 02-04, 2007 Camp Rilea OR
Jan 12-14, 2007 Stabler WA
Dec 02-03, 2006 4-H Conference Ctr OR
Nov 10-11, 2006 Veterans' Day Parades
Oct 21-22, 2006 Camp Rilea OR
Sep 15-17, 2006 Biak Trg Ctr OR
Aug 12-13, 2006 Camp Adair OR
Jul 14-16, 2006 Fort Stevens OR
Jun 23-25, 2006 Stabler WA
Jun 09-11, 2006 Evergreen Av Mus OR
May 28-29, 2006 Fort Stevens OR
May 20, 2006 Fort Lewis WA
Apr 29-30, 2006 Camp Rilea OR
Mar 25-26 , 2006 Camp Rilea OR
Feb 25-26, 2006 Camp Rilea OR
Feb 11, 2006 Mt Hood OR
Scheduled Meetings - NWHA Board of Directors
 
When Where  
Jul 18, 2009
Fort Stevens OR
Tentative
Proposed Future NWHA Events
 
Events identified as proposed are not yet approved as NWHA Events
and are subject to change.
 
When Where What
None currently proposed    

Other Organizations

Since Mar 2006, the NWHA has had full reciprocity agreements with the
Pacific Northwest Historical Group (PNWHG) and the California Historical Group (CHG).

All NWHA members in good standing are invited to attend any event sponsored by either organization,
and any member in good standing of either organization is cordially invited to attend any NWHA event.

The event listings in this box are provided as a courtesy to our sister reenacting organizations.
Specific information regarding these events may be obtained by contacting the hosting organization.

PNWHG Events Schedule
CHG Events Schedule

Feb 10-12, 2006 at Camp Rilea OR
Apr 29-30, 2006 at Salmon River Lodge, Mt Hood OR
Jun 02-04, 2006 at Camp Adair OR
Jul 14-16, 2006 at Fort Stevens OR
Sep 22-24, 2006 at Biak Training Center OR
Nov 04-06, 2006
Feb 10-11, 2007 at 4-H Conference Center OR
Mar 24-25, 2007 at Mt Hood OR
Nov 30-Dec 02, 2007 at 4-H Conference Center OR
Jan 25-27, 2008 at Mt Hood OR
Feb 15-18, 2008 at (?)
Apr 18-20, 2008 at Camp Adair OR
Jun 06-08, 2008 at Biak Training Center OR (?)
Aug 08-10, 2008 at EAM OR
Sep 26-29, 2008
Nov 07-09, 2008
Feb 20-22, 2009
Apr 10-12, 2009
May 29-30, 2009
Jul 17-19, 2009 at Ft Stevens OR
Sep 18-20, 2009
Dec 04-06, 2009

May 04-07, 2006 at Camp Roberts CA
May 20-21, 2006 at Chino Airport CA
May 29, 2006
Jun 09-11, 2006
Nov 03-05, 2006 at Camp Roberts CA
Jan 19-21, 2007 at Ozena Valley
Feb 16-18, 2007 at Holcomb Valley Boy Scout Camp
Mar 16-18, 2007 at Lost Valley Boy Scout Camp
Apr 20-22, 2007 at Camp Roberts CA
May 04-06, 2007 at Stoddard Valley OHV Area
Aug 10-12, 2007 at Camp Jubilee CA
Sep 21-23, 2007 at Holcomb Valley Boy Scout Camp
Oct 05-07, 2007 at Camp San Luis Obispo CA
Nov 02-04, 2007 at Camp Roberts CA
Nov 30-Dec 02, 2007 at Orenza Valley
Jan 18-21, 2008 at Camp Jubilee CA
Feb 15-17, 2008 at Holcomb Valley Boy Scout Camp
Mar 07-09, 2008 at Camp Roberts CA
Apr 11-13, 2008 at Stoddard Valley CA
May 02-04, 2008 at Ozena Valley Ranch CA
Jun 06-08, 2008 at Camp San Luis Obispo CA
Aug 8-10, 2008 at Camp Jubilee CA
Sep 19-21, 2008 at Holcomb Valley CA
Oct 17-19, 2008 at Ozena Valley CA
Nov 7-9, 2008 at Camp Roberts CA
Dec 12-14, 2008 at Camp Taquitz CA
Jan 17-19, 2009 at Holcomb Valley CA
Feb 20-22, 2009 at Ozena Valley CA
Mar 20-22, 2009 at Camp Roberts CA
Apr 17-19, 2009 at Stoddard Valley CA

Future dates to be announced.
Future dates to be announced.

Approved NWHA 2009 Events Schedule

Event: Winter Alpine Training Course - Lehr Plan Kuguar
Date: January 15-18, 2009
Location: Stabler WA
Event Type: Training - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Cabin
Event Fee: See below
Sponsored By: German 5.Gebirgsjäger Division
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
Event Video: Click here
This is an NWHA Training Event. This event is closed to the Public.

Further information will be provided as planning progresses. Check again for more information.

The first NWHA event for 2009 will be the Winter Training Event which will take place at Stabler WA from 15-18 Jan 2009.

The course will consist of training in winter movement, snow shoes, and fighting techniques in snow.

The event will be held at a 1930s cabin that will be used as quarters.

Upon registration, you will be sent a copy of the manual for the weekend, a packing list, directions, and schedule. Only extremely adverse weather will cause a delay of this event. The event is period and will include rifle training.

The costs for the event are as follows: Range Fees $15.00USD. Meal costs are $20.00USD. Range Fees cover the costs of issue of one pair of snow shoes, shelter, and heat for the weekend. If you bring period snow shoes or skis, there may be a reduction in Range Fees.

Please email the Event Coordinator to register for this event.

This is not a pre-paid event, so please do not register if you do not commit to attend.

It should be a fun event, but come prepared to train hard and be tired.

Event flyer: [Click here]

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Event: Battle of St. Lo - Jul 1944
Date: Mar 13-15, 2009
Location: Camp Rilea OR - Training Areas 1, 2, and 3 are reserved
Event Type: Tactical - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Barracks - 3 Duplex barracks and 3 4-person Huts are reserved
Event Fee: $35.00 weekend / $20.00 1 day (subject to change)
Sponsored By: US 1st Infantry Division
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
This is an NWHA Tactical Event. This event is closed to the Public.

Additional information will be posted as and if it becomes available.

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Event: Armed Forces Day - Fort Lewis WA
Date: May 15-16, 2009
Location: Fort Lewis WA
Event Type: Living History - Open to the Public
Billeting: Available on North Fort Lewis
Event Fee: None
Sponsored By: German Fallschirmjäger Regiment 2
Event Publicity: Click here
Event Schedule: Click here
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
This is an NWHA Living History display event. This event is open to the Public.

Schedule: 1000-1800 Sat 16 May 2009. Fort Lewis will be open to the public during the event. We are committed to display until 1800 unless we are released earlier by the staff of Ft Lewis.

Impressions: All Allied impressions - All German impressions.

Base Access: If names are provided no later than two weeks prior to the event, each participating NWHA member will be provided with a Special Event Vehicle Pass for this event. You must have available either military identification or the Special Event Vehicle Pass. The gate security personnel will additionally have a listing of the names of all registered participating NWHA members. (Special Event Vehicle Passes were mailed by Fort Lewis on Fri 01 May to all reported participants. Any participants reported later may or may not receive a Special Event Vehicle Pass in time for the event.)

Display Site:
Watkins Field, a large grassy parade field, approximately 0.4 x 0.1 miles in dimension. Easy access from Ft Lewis Dupont Gate, I-5 Exit 119. (Note that this is a different site than that used in 2008 and earlier.)

Visitor Driving Directions: Visitors are to enter Fort Lewis at Dupont Gate, I-5 Exit 119. After leaving the checkpoint area, make the first left turn onto West Wy. Go straight through the stop sign. Turn right at the next stop sign onto Pendleton Av. Turn right onto N Division Rd. At the STOP sign, you will be directed to the site. [Click here for Maps]

Billeting: Available on North Fort Lewis and must be reserved in advance. Barracks with individual rooms with a twin-sized bed and refrigerator, costing approximately $14.00 per night. Bivouac possibly available if desired.

Billeting Office Directions: Start with the Visitor Driving Directions above. On Pendleton Av, turn left onto N Division St. Turn right onto Utah Av. Just beyond the intersection with Maple Rd, look for Rainier Inn on the right. Go to the Reception Desk and identify yourself as having a reservation. Check in as early as 1400, and preferably prior to 1800 Friday. You will receive your room assignment, key, and directions to your billet. It is STONGLY recommended that you follow the Driving Directions posted here (see Map #4) instead of the driving directions you will be given at Rainier Inn.

Billeting Payment: You will be required to pay for your own billeting at the office. Payment will be made directly to Ft Lewis by US cash or credit card. Checks are accepted ONLY with US Military Identification Card.

Security: Ft Lewis Military Police will have a vehicle parked near the event site at all times, with additional personnel patrolling on a regular basis. We will, of course, have to be vigilant about the security of the items we display.

Visitor Attendance: Based upon last year's figures, estimated to be approximately 25-35,000 visitors.

Electricity: NOT available.

Gazebo Tents: Available if needed.

Tables: Available if needed. Approx 30x72" folding buffet tables.

Setup: Any time after 1530 Fri until event start. May drive vehicles into display areas to unload, but must be out of display areas before the event starts.

Parking: Near Waller Hall (1-2 blocks away).

Take Down: After event closes.

Lunch: Ft Lewis will provide each participating uniformed NWHA Member with a voucher to be used at a specified food vendor set up nearby.

Weapons Demonstration: May be done throughout the day as scheduled. Blanks may be permitted.

Dogs: Not permitted in display area due to potential conflict with the MP patrol dogs.

Other Expected Exhibitors: Civil War, SCA, 2nd Cavalry, Friends of Willie and Joe, Buffalo Soldiers, Phillipine Scouts, other military vehicle clubs, modern military, etc. (Not a complete list.)

Scheduled Demonstrations: Click here

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Event: Battle for the Austrian Alpine Passes - Apr-May 1945 (CANCELLED)
Date: June 19-21, 2009
Location: Stabler WA
Event Type: Tactical - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Bivouac
Event Fee: $10.00 + Camping Fee (see below)
Sponsored By: German 5.Gebirgsjäger Division
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Maps: [Overall Map] [Bivouac Area] [Battle Area]
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
Due to unresolvable scheduling conflicts, this event has been (CANCELLED).

This is an NWHA Tactical Event. This event is closed to the Public.

Scenario Location: Po Valley and Alps of Northern Italy, 21 Apr - 2 May 1945

Original German Units: German 10th and 14th Armies, mix of Infantry, Gebirgsjäger, and Luftwaffe units.
Original Allied Units: US 5th Army, British 8th Army, and various Pro-Allied Italian Units plus Russian Units coming through Yugoslavia to Austria.

German Goal: Hold the pass long enough for German units to escape to Austria and avoid capture by Russian Units.

Allied Goal: Take the passes and prevent German units from escaping to Austria.

Cost for event: $10 payable to NWHA. Camping Fee will vary based on which sites are used. Camping fees are paid directly to Forest Service Drop Box.

Permit requested from US Forest Service for area.

Maps, Operations Order, and objectives will be issued Saturday morning. Radios will be issued to Allied Commander and German Commander for emergencies. [Overall Map] [Bivouac Area] [Battle Area]

Event is a camping event. Fires will be allowed in fire pits. Water is available. No electricity is available. There is NO cell phone coverage in this area.

Additional information will be posted as and if it becomes available.

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Event: Public Battle and Display - Normandie June 1944
Date: July 17-19, 2009
Location: Fort Stevens OR
Event Type: Living History/Public Battle - Open to the Public
Billeting: Bivouac, campgounds, and local motels
Event Fee: None
Sponsored By: German Fallschirmjäger Regiment 2
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Event Publicity: Click here
Event Flyer: Click here
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
This is an NWHA Public Battle/Living History display event. This event is open to the Public.

Schedule: The Park is open daily from 1000-1800 for the public. We will have gate access 24 hours as needed.

Set Up: Any time after 0800 Fri, 17 Jul 2009. We request that all setup be completed prior to the Park opening Sat morning.

Take Down: We request that takedown commence late Sun afternoon, with a more precise time to be coordinated with the Park staff.

Planning Meetings: The first planning meeting will be Fri evening, as soon as enough of the Unit Commanders are present. Additional planning meetings will be conducted as necessary.

Battle Times: 1200 Sat, 1500 Sat, and 1200 Sun

Battle Scenarios: Generally, Normandy Jun 1944. The specifics of each battle will be determined by Unit Commanders present and in cooperation with the Park staff as necessary.

Parking: Designated parking space is identified in the driving directions, in the south side of the former housing area (click on Map #6). All non-period vehicles must be parked in that area and must display an NWHA Parking Pass. Parking passes will be provided to participating reenactors. Non-period vehicles must be removed from the Historical Areas during any times that the Park is open to the public. We will need to have one member of the NWHA and one member of the PNWHG at the parking lot gate to assist with reenactor identification for approximately 1 hour each morning Sat and Sun.

Event Fees: None

Billeting: Bivouac, local motels (if available), Ft Stevens campgrounds (if available). Camp Rilea is not expected to be available for billeting during this event weekend.

Vendors: Food vendors are expected to be set up near the bivouac sites.

Other Display Organizations: Oregon Military Vehicle Collectors Club, Friends of Willie & Joe, 82nd Airborne Living History Association, and others.

Artillery: The Oregon National Guard is NOT providing the use of a 105mm artillery piece from Camp Rilea this year.

Special Effects: We expect to provide special effects.

Flyer: A printed flyer will be made available for local distribution prior to the event, with additional copies available at the event.

Publicity: Fort Stevens is providing local publicity for the event.

Bivouac Sites: The German forces will bivouac on the south side of the Parados. A combination German Living History display/Barrack facility will be established in Battery 245. The Allied forces will bivouac on the north side of the Parados.

Working Parties: Event participants must expect to be a part of necessary working parties. Up to 4 working parties are expected to be needed. Prior to each of the 3 battles, the bleacher seating will need to be moved to appropriate locations. At the end of the event, they may need to be replaced where they were originally found.

Campfires: Will be permitted in the bivouac areas. Fires must be completely extinguished and fire pits must be covered over neatly prior to departure. No food products, grease, etc. will be permitted in the fire pits. Animals attracted by any food odors will dig up the fire pits after we leave.

Visitor Management: At least 2 members will be required to assist in maintaining visitor safety before and during the battles.

Site Security: All bivouac sites must have sufficient personnel present at all times to insure the security of the sites and all items displayed.

Vehicle Rides for Visitors: Not permitted.

Blank-Firing Demonstrations: We will be able to provide blank-firing demonstrations for visitors in designated locations only. Most likely, this will take place in the field to the North of the fortifications. Visitors will not be permitted to fire the weapons.

Potable Water: The Oregon National Guard will provide a water buffalo to supply potable water.

Clean Up: All sites used during the event must be cleaned up to the satisfaction of the staff of Fort Stevens prior to departure. Each Unit will designate at least one member to stay on-site until their area is cleared to the satisfaction of park staff.

Invitations: Members in good standing of the Pacific Northwest Historical Group (PNWHG) and the California Historical Group (CHG) are cordially invited to join us as Guest Members at this event.

Event flyer: [Click here]

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Event: Scenario Undetermined
  Dan Bortolin and Art Greenwall Memorial Mediterranean Front Event
Date: September 18-20, 2009
Location: Biak Training Center, Redmond OR
Event Type: Tactical - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Bivouac
Event Fee: Undetermined
Sponsored By: US 1st Infantry Division
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here and see below
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
This is an NWHA Tactical Event. This event is closed to the Public.

Additional information will be posted as and if it becomes available.

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Event: Scenario Undetermined
Date: October 16-18, 2009
Location: Camp Rilea OR - Training Areas not yet reserved
Event Type: Tactical - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Barracks - Not yet reserved
Event Fee: $35.00 weekend / $20.00 1 day (subject to change)
Sponsored By: German 11. Panzer Division
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
This is an NWHA Tactical Event. This event is closed to the Public.

Additional information will be posted as and if it becomes available.

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Event Locations

  Camp Rilea OR

Location: Off US 101, 10 miles W of Astoria
Address: 91204 Oregon Rd, Warrenton OR 97416-9711 (503)861-4007
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]
[Site Map]

Camp Rilea is an active Oregon National Guard facility providing training grounds for both regular and Guard units from across the United States and Canada. Located some five miles south of Ft. Stevens and some five miles southwest of Astoria, it has ample space and comfortable barracks. The modern barracks have 2 squad bays each billeting up to 12 persons, and have integrated restroom and shower facilities. The WWII-era barracks are a taste of the way things were done 60 years ago, all with restrooms, some with showers. The training grounds here include beach, heavy woods, and fields (criss-crossed with dirt roads and trails), as well as a MOUT 'village' for urban training and obstacle courses. These excellent facilities have been made available for many of our tactical events.
Modern 24-Person Barrack - Exterior  Modern 24-Person Barrack - Interior  WWII-era 4-Person Barrack  WWII-era 4-Person Barrack  Fighting Position in the woods  Kubelwagen at the MOUT Site
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  Fort Stevens State Park OR

Location: Off US 101, 10 miles W of Astoria
Address: 100 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond OR 97121 (503)861-1671
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]

There are many bunkers and fortified buildings in this historic Oregon State Park. Some date from the Civil War, althougth this location was an active military post until after the Second World War. The letters on the map above correspond to the pictures of several of the prominent areas shown below. Click on the map above to see a larger version.
(A)
West Battery Command Station
(B)
West Battery
     
(C)
Battery Smur
 
 
  Camp Adair OR

Location: North of Corvallis OR on Highway 99W
Address: 39432 Rifle Range Rd, Corvallis OR 97330 (541)745-7408
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]
[Site History]

Camp Adair is ...
  Evergreen Aviation Museum

Location: Near McMinnville Municipal Airport, east of McMinnville OR on Highway 18
Address: 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville OR 97128 (503)434-4180
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]

The Evergreen Aviation Museum ...
  Biak Training Center OR

Location: Near Roberts Field, east of Redmond OR on Highway 126
Address: 8540 SW Cavalry Way, Powell Butte OR 97753 (541)548-2453
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]
[Site Map]

The Biak Training Center is ...
  4-H Conference Center Salem OR

Location: In the Eola Hills about 8 miles northwest of Salem OR.
Address: 5390 4H Rd NW, Salem OR 97304   (503)371-7920
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]
[Site Map]

The 4-H Conference Center is ...
  Fort Lewis WA

Location: Between Tacoma and Olympia WA on Interstate 5 at Exit 120
Address:
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]

Fort Lewis WA is an active US Army facility providing training grounds for both regular and Guard units from across the United States and Canada, as well as units from many other nations. Located some fifteen miles south of Tacoma WA and some fifteen miles north of Olympia WA. The training grounds here include heavy woods and fields (criss-crossed with dirt roads and trails), as well as a MOUT 'village' for urban training and obstacle courses.
  Stabler WA

Location: .
Address:
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]
[Site Map]

The site at Stabler WA is ...
  Camp Withycombe OR

Location: In/near Clackamas OR near I-205 Exit 12/12A.
Address: 10101 SE Clackamas Rd, Clackamas OR 97015
[Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]
[Site Map]

Camp Withycombe OR is located just East of I-205 in Clackamas (South-East of Clackamas Town Center) near Portland, OR. A Disaster Recovery Center is operated in Camp Withycombe jointly by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Oregon Emergency Management. The Oregon State Defense Force (OSDF) is headquartered at Camp Withycombe. Oregon Military Museum at Camp Withycombe provides military historical displays of events concerning the Oregon National Army and Air Guard and the Oregon citizen members of all the National Military Departments.

Camp Withycombe was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places by the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office in July 1994. Camp Withycombe, located at the foot of Mt Talbert southeast of Portland, is a collection of National Defense facilities dating from 1903 to the late 1930s. Camp Withycombe has served as a rifle range and training ground for the Oregon National Guard for more than 80 years. The original 234-acre parcel of land was first named Camp Benson after Governor Frank W. Benson, but was later renamed Camp Withycombe during World War I for James Withycombe, the Governor during that time.

Significant contributing elements of the camp include the rifle range, a 24-station, 500-yard facility, which first opened in 1909, and several buildings constructed prior to 1940: the Mess Hall, ca. 1912 (Bldg 200), the Storage Building, 1910 (Bldg 206), the Feed Barn, 1910 (Bldg 305), two Storage Buildings, 1910 (Bldgs 308, 310), the Supply Building, 1920 (Bldg 450), a Barn, ca. 1903 (Bldg 525), and the Adjutant General's House, built in the Colonial Style in 1938, constructed by the WPA.

Camp Withycombe is significant as the site of the earliest organized firing range in the state and as a developed landscape with various architectural features, all with the common theme of National Defense. Camp Withycombe has served as a rifle range and training ground for the Oregon National Guard for more than 80 years. Land for the camp was purchased by the U.S. Government in the Spring of 1909 and the range opened for the season on May 15, 1909.

Commonly referred to as the Clackamas Rifle Range, the Camp Withycombe rifle range is one of the oldest National Defense ranges in the western part of the United States. At the time it was constructed, the Camp Withycombe rifle range was described as the most "thoroughly modern and fully equipped rifle range available". The site was hailed as "ideal for the purposes of rifle practice and competitions." It was the first on the West Coast to employ a 1000 to 1500-foot shooting range and one of the first in the country with this feature. At that time only the newest service rifles had a shooting range of this distance. The layout of the range was also carefully considered as wind and sun played an important part in target practice. Mt Talbert, to the east and north, provided some protection against the northwest wind thus minimizing any fishtailing effects. The mountain also provided a safe backdrop for the range and the flat land at the base of the mountain provided an ideal flat firing range. The range was cited as having the "perfect environment" upon its opening.

Troops from all over the state came to the town of Clackamas by the Southern Pacific Railroad and then walked to the camp where they stayed for seasonal rifle practice. The range was also the site of annual state competitions. By 1913, the Oregon Infantry placed third out of 43 in the competition, a success which was attributed to the excellent rifle range facility at Camp Withycombe.

During the early years, camp personnel were housed in tents. It was not until the Depression that many of the building were constructed with the help of the Work Projects Administration. However, some of the buildings (the storage shed and feed barn) were previously on the site prior to the government's purchase and subsequently utilized by the National Guard.

During World War I, in addition to its function as a rifle range, the camp was used to receive enlistees and also was the site where troops were mobilized at the start of the war. It served as an important headquarters for the National Guard during World War I, serving as a central supply depot and training center for the Guard. During the subsequent years, newer buildings were constructed to facilitate the needs of the Guard.

During the 1930s the camp developed as a supply depot for the National Guard. Some of the buildings on the camp property, such as the Adjutant General's house (1938), were built by the WPA during this period.

The camp still serves as a training facility, supply depot, and equipment repair facility for the National Guard. Until recently, the rifle range was regularly used for target practice by various agencies such as the State Police. Though the rifle range is now closed due to deteriorated baffles and complaints from nearby residential areas, the range retains its original layout with modifications only in the structures which shelter the close range target area. A portion of a rock retaining wall and a stone drinking foundation are located near the range, dating from the historic period.

Copyright 2006-2009 - NWHA
Modified 08 Jun 2009