Salvation Army Camp Kuratli At Trestle Glen

Ron and I found our way to this truly beautiful bucolic camp just a couple of miles out of Estacada. He thought it might be the site of an old antique train trestle that might have been on his parents' property years ago. Sadly it was not, but it was still worth the trip to see the camp.

The property is owned by the Salvation Army and used to bring urban children out into forest and get a feeling for camping for a week or so. Being a former camp counselor (Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp) in Rhododendron, I really enjoyed talking with the camp director. So many similar experiences.

The TriMet bus stop was right at the camp entrance. The camp had a good sturdy road, but I think it descended at least 1/2 mile, but as we walked down. the magic happened with the sounds of nature taking over. Butter flies and birds flickered, the river ran, and all the small forest critters were busy on their errands; almost in a Disneyesque manner.

I'm not sure of statistics, but I feel pretty sure they can fit in a large number of campers in during summer sessions. The buildings are very handsome and look brand new which is very much to the camp directors and their staff's credit.

After a very pleasant time, we did have to leave. The camp director and her husband (co-camp director) were kind enough to drive us back up to the bus stop.

The Salvation Army is doing some outstanding work here along with their directors and staff. We felt the easy warmth of all we interacted with and walked away with happy thoughts of the time spent with these fine people.