visiting a saw mill in northern cali (San Diego, Eureka: best, tree)

[richierobinson]

does anyone know where there are tours of saw mills in mill valley? or the area?
thanks

[bitman]

Your best be is further north. Perhaps Fort Bragg. I think the PALCO mill (very large) in Scotia is still doing tours. There is also a great working historical facility at the Blue OX in Eureka.

[littlelizard]

Don't be deceived by the word "Mill" in any town/city name in CA. Most of the mills were shut down anywhere from 30 to 100 years ago!

The only lumber mills of which I am aware are in the far northwest part of the state but due to the fact that most of CA folks are environmentally concerned citizens the mills work at odds with the general (educated)population and also due to blatant habitat destruction, are one by one going out of business. The previous poster is right - the town of Scotia has the only lumber mill of which I know that has public tours. There are several big lumber companies still going but as far as I know they are closed to the public and as far as jobs in the mills, forget about that. The lumbermen still employed are barely surviving.

[akm4]

Plumas County (north, up the Feather River Canyon) still has working mills.

[leezb]

I am interested in possibly starting a firewood business. I'm wondering where to find wood? This would just be a small business. I am located in San Diego, but could travel.

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by leezb

I am interested in possibly starting a firewood business. I'm wondering where to find wood? This would just be a small business. I am located in San Diego, but could travel.

We have relatives that work in the lumber mills. Firewood is their side business.

Talk to tree trimmers, they often are looking for places to dump tree cuttings. X-girl friend of mine always had a driveway full.
You will need a location to season the wood before selling it, no one wants green wood.

[eureka1]

The "mill" in Mill Valley was a tiny bale mill. You can still see the water wheel in downtown MV but nothing like a lumber mill. The big lumber mill in Scotia that used to give tours has been permanently closed for several years. It think your best bet would be Mendocino or the area around Grant's Pass in Oregon. You might try calllng the Mendocino visitor's bureau or CofC. Many many mills have closed in NoCal in the last few years. Good luck with this.