Schaeffer County Park

We found this hidden gem today and had a really fun time exploring the nearby woods and splashing in the shallows. A really idyllic spot with tons of space for running around, picnic tables and shelters, large parking lot, picturesque bridge. It is also a float tube launching point. We talked to tubers who were starting there and floating to Riverside Park. They were told it would take about 2 1/2 hours.

Always one of my favorite local spots. It goes down during summer! Not so much the other 8 months but still cool. Much love Schaefer park

Good park for a picnic and also you can swim in the river

I Loved this park when I was a teen. It was always a place where families gathered, safe to swim, beautiful wooded trails that are doable for kids. I recently brought my kids and nieces here only to find it had been shut down due to lack of funding. There was garbage everywhere, the parking lot locked up, the playground was ... basically gone, swings off the swing set. They told me it was a sad park. We walked around the trail and crept down to the river. They all loved it there. I wish this park was still family friendly.

This place along with most of the rest of Centralia has been in steep decline. I remember playing and swimming here as a kid and it seemed clean and well taken care of. This time: *In the bathrooms, the urinals were cracked and had bugs crawling in through the broken porcelain. Everything was yellowed and gross. *I found a dead beaver stuck on the rocks where kids were playing in the water. I tried to call animal control, the animal shelter and the non emergency policy line and got no answer. Overall I was left with a negative experience and I got out of town as quick as I could. The park and town are just unappealing. People just aren't investing in it. No wonder so many people use meth to survive it. Downfall of the western civilization.

This park used to be great. It had great out door kitchens, a huge lawn, a play ground, volleyball court, a roped off swimming area, the river, hiking trails and bathrooms. It has so much potential to be great again. It now has a porta potty and everything else has been neglected or closed. Chehalis parks have all gotten money donated to revamp all their parks. Its time Centralia did the same. All in all it is still a good place to go swimming.

Definitely worth the visit! I come here lots during the summer along with many other people. Perfect for families, family picnics, birthdays, walking your dog, swimming, walking on the trails, and playing sports on the big flat areas of grass. There is a good amount of table benches near the river for people to sit so they can eat, watch their kids, or have a nice conversation. There is other areas scattered along the park with tables that have a roof covering them, but these are farther away from the water, they're more near the flat areas of grass. You should definitely come check it out and have a look. Not convinced? Theres a rope swing by the river. My father reinforced it so that people can swing again. That outta make you come . I almost forgot to mentioned that although the place is great for the summer, the only thing that could really use some maintenance is the bathrooms. Bathrooms are not always clean and most of the time they're closed. There is a porta potty in the parking lot, but that's up to you. Other than that, almost everything else is fine

Small trails in the woods. Sandy/rough entrance to the water but shouldn't hinder anyone from an enjoyable time. Big open park grounds with some shade. Sandy/rough volleyball courts are a great addition to small picnic. *I do not think cooking is allowed in this park.

Our favorite place to take our kids to swim, and it's the safest place for all 3 of our kids ranging in age from 11 to 2 to swim and have fun. There's a play ground and a huge kitchen area. Lots of trails to hike or an empty field to just relax on the grass and read.

Quiet and beautiful. Small trail to walk and a tiny beach to sit and enjoy the gorgeous river. There is a beautiful wood bridge that would be perfect for a photo opportunity. The only reason I didnt give 5 stars is because it is not maintained. The bathrooms are closed and the trashcans are overflowing with garbage. There is also barely any play equipment. The playground is sad and dangerous in multiple areas.