Historic Samoa Cookhouse

The Historic Samoa Cookhouse temporarily closed in May 2023 for major renovations. It is part of a larger project called "Camp Samoa," which will include an enhanced cookhouse, a hostel, cabins, and campsites. Groundbreaking is anticipated in early 2025, with an estimated 18 months for construction, pushing the reopening date to around spring 2026.

Post-renovation, the Historic Samoa Cookhouse will be part of "Camp Samoa," an overnight tourist destination. The cookhouse itself will be enhanced, aiming to preserve its distinctive character while modernizing the space. Plans include maintaining the famous family-style experience, but with more menu options and the addition of a liquor license. The broader Camp Samoa project will offer 75 accommodations, including 40 cabins, 15 campsites, and 20 hostel rooms, along with a picnic area and a dog park.

Yes, the Danco Group, the new owner, aims to maintain the cookhouse's famous family-style experience. While there will be more menu options and a liquor license added, the core concept of hearty, homestyle cooking reminiscent of its logging camp origins is intended to be preserved.

Before its closure, the on-site logging museum showcased a variety of artifacts from the early logging days. Visitors could find kitchen utensils, old logging boots, saws, machinery, and a massive wood-burning stove, offering a tangible connection to the region's rich timber history. It is expected that these historical elements will be preserved and potentially enhanced in the reopened cookhouse.

Absolutely! The "Camp Samoa" project is designed to be family-friendly. Besides the cookhouse, the development will include a picnic area and a dog park, making it suitable for families traveling with pets. The inclusion of cabins, campsites, and a hostel also provides diverse accommodation options for families.

Yes, as part of the "Camp Samoa" development, there will be extensive accommodation options. The plans include 40 cabins, 15 campsites, and 20 hostel rooms, totaling 75 accommodations directly on the property, making it an ideal overnight tourist destination.

Yes, the future "Camp Samoa" development explicitly includes plans for a dog park. This indicates a commitment to making the destination welcoming for visitors traveling with their canine companions.

While the cookhouse itself is undergoing renovations, the surrounding Samoa Peninsula and Humboldt Bay area offer various outdoor activities. The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is a popular spot for exploration and enjoying the coastal landscape. Hikers, trail runners, and cyclists can find routes to explore the natural features and viewpoints of the peninsula.

The Samoa Cookhouse is historically significant as the last lumber camp-style cookhouse in the American Pacific Northwest. It first opened in 1890 (or 1893, according to some historical accounts) to serve meals to lumberjacks working in the company town of Samoa, playing a vital role in sustaining the demanding workforce of the region's logging industry.

While specific details on vegetarian options are not yet available, the renovation plans include offering more menu options. This suggests a broader culinary offering than the traditional set menu, potentially accommodating various dietary needs. Visitors are encouraged to check their official channels closer to the reopening date for updated menu information.

The Historic Samoa Cookhouse is situated approximately 1.5 miles northwest of Eureka in Humboldt County, on the Samoa Peninsula. The best way to get there is typically by car, crossing the Samoa Bridge from Eureka. Public transport options may be limited in this area, so driving offers the most flexibility.