Slowly but surely, the weather seems to be getting better throughout Grays Harbor. With more blue skies and more warm weather in the near future, the Polson Museum offers a chance for guests to enjoy the great outdoors.

“If you are looking to get outside to enjoy a stroll in the forest, plan on taking a short drive north of Hoquiam this coming Saturday to explore Camp Klahanee,” said John Larson, director of Polson Museum.

According to Girl Scouts of Western Washington, the word Klahanee translates to “friendship” in the Chinook language. Larson said he has “also seen it translated to ‘outside.’”

“I think both terms work well in defining what that camp is all about,” Larson said.

On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum encourages the public to see the camp property — 94 Larson Brothers Road — learn more about the museum’s plans for the camp and volunteer opportunities. The camp is 13 miles north of Hoquiam. It’s only about a 25 minute drive via U.S. Highway 101 from Aberdeen.

“Guests will have the chance to see the historic 1961 lodge, explore the trails and see what has made Klahanee such a special place for Grays Harbor’s Girl Scouts for over six decades,” Larson said. “If you were once a camper at Klahanee, if you are interested in volunteering, or if you are just a curious nature and history lover who would like to explore one of the most magnificent forested spaces on Grays Harbor, the Polson is looking forward to welcoming all to this one-day open house.”

While Klahanee was last operated in 2019 and has required extensive work to clean up the grounds, rebuild trail infrastructure, clean structures, troubleshoot facility systems and more, there is still a lot more work to do. Open house attendees on Saturday can learn what projects they can financially help, or for which ones they can volunteer.

Attendees should bring hiking shoes. Restrooms, running water, picnic facilities, comfortable seating and a fire in the lodge’s grand fireplace will be available during the day.

According to Larson, the museum took ownership of Camp Klahanee late in 2023 and they’ve “been steadily working to rehabilitate the core of the camp with ultimate plans to offer history-related programming and exhibits and to accommodate private party use of the facilities.”

The camp, at 80-acres large, has changed hands a few times during its history. In 1957, it was bought by the Far West Washington Council of Girl Scouts, Larson said. Prior to 1926, the property was part of Polson Logging Company’s timber holdings. The land was first logged by the Polsons in the mid-1920s.

Polson Museum’s purchase of the property has also lead to a formal recreational access easement established with the Girl Scouts of Western Washington.

“This will ensure Klahanee remains accessible to Girl Scouts,” Larson said. “The Polson seeks to encourage present and former Scouts to contact the museum to learn more about becoming involved at Klahanee. The Polson would love to connect with anyone who has a history with Klahanee, either as a youngster, as a troop leader or any other way.”

Klahanee is “arguably” the museum’s biggest artifact and the Polson wants to document Klahanee’s story with stories and photos.

In the six months Polson has owned Klahanee, the camp has “forged some great partnerships” with Grays Harbor College’s (GHC) Forestry program.

“GHC students have begun using Klahanee as a field learning space, completing GIS (geographic information system) mapping of Klahanee’s trails and roads this March and developing a forest management plan in April,” Larson stated. “The museum has also been in contact with area Girl Scout troops who have plans to use the camp again this summer through work parties and camping.”

Purchasing forested land, such as Camp Klahanee, wasn’t a random purchase.

“As director of the Polson Museum for over 27 years now, I’ve long had in mind that the museum would be well suited to someday own timberland as both a financial asset and as an educational space,” Larson said. “When Camp Klahanee was presented in 2021 as a possible land acquisition, I saw great potential for the place as an extension of the museum’s mission to preserve, promote and present the history of Grays Harbor County. At Klahanee, the legacy infrastructure from the Girl Scouts’ history there — the magnificent 1961 lodge, A-frames, camping structures, trails and program shelters — were a great bonus atop the nearly 80 acres of mature second growth forest that once was Polson Logging Company ground.”

Larson said the “historical connection for the Polson was evident.”

“We are honored to now be charged with preserving and sharing a beloved place that generations of Grays Harbor’s youth have enjoyed and loved,” Larson said.

For more information please contact the museum at 360-533-5862.

Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at matthew.wells@thedailyworld.com.

Polson Museum This bridge that can be seen at Camp Klahanee, was built a few months ago by Polson Museum’s Board President Ron Loomis, according to John Larson.