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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 a specific 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 for viewing.

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
Joint Base Lewis-McChord (formerly Fort Lewis) WA
Stabler WA
Camp Withycombe OR
Mt Hood OR
 
Overview Map of Event Sites
 
Click Map for Larger Image
 
NWHA Events - General Information
Approved Future NWHA Events
 
When Where What
Sep 10-12, 2010 Biak TC OR Tactical Event
Oct 15-17, 2010 Camp Rilea OR Tactical Event
     
Additional events and changes to be announced as appropriate.
Past NWHA Events
 
When Where
Jul 16-18, 2010 Fort Stevens OR (CANCELLED)
Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA
Camp Withycombe OR
Mar 26-28, 2010 Camp Rilea OR (CANCELLED)
Oct 16-18, 2009 Camp Rilea OR
Sep 18-20, 2009 Biak TC OR (CANCELLED)
Jul 17-19, 2009 Fort Stevens OR
Jun 19-21, 2009 Stabler WA (CANCELLED)
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  
None currently scheduled
Proposed Future NWHA Events
 
Events identified as proposed are not yet approved as NWHA Events
and are subject to change.
 
When Where What
May 21, 2011 Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA Living History

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 Ozena 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
Jun 12-14, 2009 at Camp San Luis Obispo CA
Sep 18-20, 2009 at Holcomb Valley CA
Oct 3-4, 2009 at Prado Regional Park CA
Oct 16-18, 2009 at Stoddard Mt CA
Nov 6-8, 2009 at Camp Roberts CA
Nov 28-29, 2009 at Orange Cty Fairgrounds
Jan xx-yy, 2010 at
Feb 19-21, 2010 at Camp Taquitz CA
Mar 19-21, 2010 at Camp Roberts CA
Apr 16-18, 2010 at Stoddard Mt CA
May 21-23, 2010 at Ozena Valley CA
Sep xx-yy, 2010 at Holcomb Valley CA
Oct 15-17, 2010 at Camp Taquitz CA
Nov 05-07, 2010 at Camp Robarts CA
Jan or Feb 2011 at Camp Roberts CA
Mar xx-yy, 2011 at Camp Roberts CA

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

Approved NWHA 2010 Events Schedule

Event: Nijmegen, Holland - Operation Market Garden - Sep 20, 1944 (CANCELLED)
Date: Mar 26-28, 2010
Location: Camp Rilea OR - Training Area 1 reserved
Event Type: Tactical - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Barracks -Two Duplex Barracks reserved
Event Fee: $35.00 weekend / $20.00 1 day (subject to change)
Sponsored By: NWHA US 82nd Airborne Division
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
This is NWHA Tactical Event has been CANCELLED.

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Event: Armed Forces Day - Joint Base Lewis-McChord (formerly Fort Lewis) WA
Date: May 14-15, 2010
Location: Joint Base Lewis-McChord (formerly Fort Lewis) WA
Event Type: Living History - Open to the Public for viewing
Billeting: Available on JBLM North Base (formerly North Fort Lewis)
Event Fee: None
Sponsored By: NWHA 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
The information for this event was updated Tue 11 May 2010.
This is an NWHA Living History display event. This event is open to the Public for viewing.

Schedule: 1000-1800 Sat 15 May 2010. Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be open to the public during the event. We are committed to display until 1800 Sat unless we are released earlier by the JBLM-MWR Event Staff.

Impressions: All NWHA Allied impressions - All NWHA German impressions.

Interstate 5 Lane Closures: If you are arriving from South of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, you may be affected by potential lane closures on Interstate 5 Northbound. Due to construction, up to 3 lanes of Interstate 5 Northbound may be closed from approximately 1900 Fri 14 May through approximately 0800 Sun 16 May. Please make sure that you have allowed for sufficient time to account for potential traffic delays. Although this construction will occur somewhere along a 12 mile stretch North of JBLM, it is possible that traffic backups in the Northbound lanes may extend Southward beyond JBLM. Additional information may be found here: [Construction Schedule] [Construction North of JBLM]. If you are arriving from the North of JBLM, you should not be affected much, if at all.

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 should be mailed by the Event Staff approiximately 30 Apr 2010 to all reported participants. Any participants reported later may or may not receive a Special Event Vehicle Pass in time for the event.)

Identification: All adults in your vehicle must present either a valid driver's license or other acceptable picture ID. Be prepared to present the registration certificate and proof of valid insurance for your vehicle.

Display Site:
Memorial Stadium, a large fenced field and stadium with surrounding areas. Easy access from JBLM Dupont Gate, I-5 Exit 119. Memorial Stadium has been modernized over the past year and now has a high-quality grass lawn surrounded by ornamental steel fencing, with 4-5 gates through the fence for easy access. The baseball field has been eliminated and it has been landscaped outside the fence. There is expected to be an historic vehicle display immediately outside the fence, which should help to draw attention to the displays inside the stadium. (Note that this is a different site from that used last year, and is the same site as that used in 2008 and earlier.)

Visitor and Participant Driving Directions:
Visitors and Participants are to enter Joint Base Lewis-McChord at Dupont Gate, I-5 Exit 119. After leaving the checkpoint area, make the first left turn. Go straight throught the stop sign. Turn right at the next stop sign onto Pendleton Av. Continue straight through 3 lights. At the 4th light, turn right onto 41st Division Dr. Continue through one light, then turn right onto Bitar Av. Continue through stop sign. The event site will be on the right. [Click here for Maps]

Billeting: Available on JBLM North Base (formerly North Fort Lewis) and must be reserved in advance. This is a WWII-era barrack with individual rooms with a twin-sized bed and refrigerator, costing $14.00 per night. Bivouac is available without cost at the display site 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. At the intersection with Oak St, look for Rainier Inn on the right, Bldg 2111. Go to the Reception Desk in the Lobby, give them your reservation number, and identify yourself as having a reservation on JBLM North Base. Check in as early as 1400 Fri, and preferably prior to 1800 Fri. 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 Billeting Office. Payment will be made directly to Joint Base Lewis-McChord by US cash or credit card. Checks are accepted ONLY with US Military Identification Card.

Security: Joint Base Lewis-McChord 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 20,000+ visitors.

Electricity: 120v-20a available (subject to change).

Gazebo Tents: Available if needed. One 10x30 tent has been requested.

Tables: Available if needed. Approx 30x72" (or possibly 36x84) folding buffet tables. Seven tables have been requested.

Setup: Any time after 1300 Fri until event start at 1000 Sat. May drive vehicles into display areas to unload, but must be out of display areas before the event starts. Heavy vehicles may not be permitted inside the Stadium.

Parking: Available 2-3 blocks away.

Take Down: After event closes.

Lunch: Event Staff will provide each registered participating uniformed NWHA Member with one voucher to be used at a specified nearby food vendor.

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, military vehicle clubs, modern military, etc. (Not a complete list.)

Scheduled Demonstrations: Click here

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Event: Armed Forces Day - Camp Withycombe OR
Date: May 15-16, 2010
Location: Camp Withycombe OR
Event Type: Living History - Open to the Public for viewing
Billeting: Undetermined
Event Fee: None
Sponsored By: NWHA US 59th Field Hospital
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
This is a Living History display event.

No information has been provided by the Event Coordinator.

Additional information will be posted as and if it becomes available.
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Event: Public Battle and Display - Normandie June 1944 (CANCELLED)
Date: July 16-18, 2010
Location: Fort Stevens State Park OR
Event Type: Living History / Public Battle - Open to the Public for viewing (see below)
Billeting: Bivouac, campgounds, and local motels
Event Fee: None (read additional information below)
Sponsored By: None specified
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Event Publicity: Click here and here
Event Flyer: Click here
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
The information for this event was updated Fri 09 Jul 2010.
27 May 2010: The event information offered in the block below assumes that a mutually-agreed-upon contract has been signed between the NWHA and other parties.  No such contract is in place as of this date.

16 Jun 2010: A proposed contract has been received and is being considered by the NWHA Board of Directors.

01 Jul 2010: Fort Stevens State Park OR has cancelled the Public Battle portion of this event,offering instead a "Living History"-only event.

06-09 Jul 2010: The NWHA Board of Directors voted to cancel the scheduled NWHA Public Battle/Living History Event scheduled for Fri-Sun 16-18 Jul 2010 at Ft Stevens State Park OR.  This action was taken for a number of reasons including, but not limited to, the following:

1. The lack of a contract defining the expectations and obligations of the NWHA, the Friends of Old Fort Stevens, and Fort Stevens State Park OR for any "Living History"-only event;

2. The lack of reliable information regarding the insurance requirements, potential liabilities, and expected indemnifications if such an event was held;

3. The lack of committed attendance by NWHA Members to such an event; and

4. The lack of an NWHA Event Coordinator for such an event.

Event information deleted 09 Jul 2010.

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Event: Sicily - Specifics to be provided at a later date (CANCELLED)
  Dan Bortolin and Art Greenwall Memorial Mediterranean Front Event
Date: September 10-12, 2010
Location: Biak Training Center, Redmond OR - Training Area A-1 has been reserved
Event Type: Tactical - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Bivouac and see below
Event Fee: Undetermined
Sponsored By: NWHA US 125th Cavalry Squadron
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Driving Directions: Click here and see below
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
The information for this event was updated Thu 02 Sep 2010.
This is NWHA Tactical Event has been CANCELLED.
Event information deleted 02 Sep 2010.

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Event: Scenario Undetermined
Date: October 15-17, 2010
Location: Camp Rilea OR - Training Area 1 has been reserved
Event Type: Tactical - Closed to the Public
Billeting: Barracks - Three Duplex Barracks and three 4-person Hutments have been reserved
Event Fee: $35.00 weekend / $20.00 1 day (subject to change)
Sponsored By: NWHA German 11. Panzer Division
Contact/Information: Event Coordinator
Event Flyer: Click here
Driving Directions: Click here
Site Map: Click here
Weather Forecast: Click here
After Action Report: Click here
The information for this event was updated Fri 30 Jul 2010.
This is an NWHA Tactical Event. This event is closed to the Public.

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

[Top of Page]

Event Locations - General Information

  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 Youth Rd NW, Salem OR 97304   (503)371-7920
[Website] or [Website]
[Directions]
[Current Weather]
[Site Map]

The 4-H Conference Center is ...
  Joint Base Lewis-McChord (formerly Fort Lewis) WA

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

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (formerly Fort Lewis) WA is an active US Military 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 2006-2010 - NWHA
Modified 02 Sep 2010