1923-53: "World's Largest Logging Town";

Since 1953, the Oldest "Planned Community for Retired Persons". 

​​Photo by Kerry Haley via drone 3/30/2018

SR 506 starts here, no matter what the GPS says...

Ryderwood, Washington ~ "The Town With Two Histories"

Travel note: The I-5 exit (SR 506 west) is closed for bridge replacement.

  • From north, come through Winlock or follow SR 506 detour signs at Exit 63.
  • From south, take Westside Hwy. to intersection with Vader Rd.

​​1923 - 1953: The Long-Bell Years

  • Longview and Ryderwood, WA were founded in 1923 by the Long-Bell Lumber Co. to harvest the virgin timber surrounding this area known as Cougar Flats.
  • The "World's Largest Logging Camp"" was built for loggers and their families. The Company provided a full array of services including a store, theater, cafe, drugstore, bowling alley, creamery, school and church. 
  • The first logs were shipped to Longview the spring of 1924 via Long-Bell's Longview, Portland & Northern Railroad.

​​1953 - Present: Retirement Village

  • "Town for Sale": By 1953, the logs and the loggers were pretty much gone and the entire town was for sale.
  • Senior Estates, Inc. was formed to purchase and develop what is believed to be the oldest "planned community for retired persons" in the US.​​​​
  • Today, all homes are privately owned and reserved for owners and occupants over the age of 55.
  • ​Managed by the Ryderwood Improvement & Service Association, Inc. (RISA), the Town has a 100% HOPA (“Housing for Older Persons Act”) compliance rate.
  • Except for 2 RISA office employees, Ryderwood is totally managed and operated by volunteers, which is reflected by its low membership fees (currently $40/mo.).