Wandering River Resort & Campground
Cowlitz County ~ As soon as he spoke, it was evident to the 15 to 20 people in the room that Hearing Examiner Mark Scheibmeir had command of the issues surrounding the Wandering River Resort & Campground proposal on the Kalama River Road.
In his opening statement at the public hearing on December 4, 2025, Mr. Scheibmeir made it clear that he was there to conduct a trial and was interested in the facts and the law. He said he’s not there to conduct a political trial, but he will seek to understand the reasons why the proposal is popular or unpopular. The night before the hearing, he received an additional 45 pages of public comments, and he said he read them all before the 10 am hearing.
He identified the following key issues that have arisen throughout the process:
- Fisheries – they are far more important than this facility could ever be.
- Fire Apparatus Access – could a fire be addressed effectively in its early stages?
- Accidental Septic System/ Wastewater Discharge – could be very dangerous to the fish hatchery.
- Public Safety – visitors may not realize they are close to a very dangerous section of the river.
He allowed everyone to state their case. He started with the county staff, then the applicant, and then finished the hearing with open public comments.
The County staff recommended that the project move forward.
The staff has a difficult job balancing the highly emotional aspects of the people involved, both for and against the proposals, while making unemotional decisions based on the RCWs, county codes, and policies outlined in the comprehensive plan adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
If a private owner is in compliance with the code and has mitigated all the issues, county staff cannot decide whether to accept or decline a project simply because they like or dislike it.
Hearing Examiner: The event center exponentially complicates the application in every way. He asked staff, “If the proposal were for just an events center would the county approve it”?
Staff: “Yes, the area is not zoned, and the applicant has worked with us for the past 1 ½ to 2 years to mitigate the issues”.
The Hearing Examiner and County Staff went on to address several issues:
Environmental – Septic System and runoff water. The cursory review has been approved, but not entirely accepted. The system will need to pass water-tightness testing, along with other tests to ensure it can withstand a hydraulic pressure event and flooding. Yearly inspections and operation reports would also be required. Additional storage tanks will also be required for high-water-volume events.
It was determined that the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife can approve its part of the application with stipulations, such as excluding flotation devices like kayaks or inner tubes.
Access – Weyerhaeuser Company submitted a statement that the road was highly dangerous. RV traffic cannot see the truck traffic, and the truck traffic cannot stop. They suggested a new access point in the Southeastern area. The Assistant County Engineer said the traffic study is acceptable, and if he were to design a 2nd access point, the slopes would make it very difficult to do so.
Hearing Examiner: “We would be foolish not to be aware of the fire hazard,” he said. Then he asked about the Fire Paradymes (fires that the Resort wants to host), “Are they prepared for an emergency, keeping in mind it will be some time before firetrucks could reach the facility?”
County Fire Marshal: We have ways and means to address rural fire codes, for example, the distance between buildings, occupancy, and additional on-site water. The Marshall declined to estimate the Fire Department’s response time in the event of a fire emergency without speaking with the fire chief. He went on to add that with continued maintenance, and if the facility remained as it is in its current conception, it would be up to code. The marshal also added that the well hasn’t been tested for pressure because it’s currently in its concept phase. When applications are made, a complete fire review will demonstrate its compliance with firefighting codes.
Hearing Examiner – asked the county about the emergency plan, wondering if it is more aspirational than applicable.
County – replied that so far, it meets preliminary approval.
Applicants Turn:
The owner, Mr. Jeremy Irish, attended the meeting via Zoom, with a representative present to answer any questions if needed.
The Resort’s representative said he concurred with all that the county has said.
Hearing Examiner: How do you intend to follow all the codes for rural firefighting?
Resort Representative: We will submit a comprehensive plan once the well’s yield is determined. The well will have a standalone, secured pump house and either inground or above-ground storage of 30,000-60,000 gallons of water, based on the well’s yield.
Hearing Examiner: What about the road and fire apparatuses?
Resort Representative: It may be feasible to widen the already constructed road. Right now, the width and radius meet the code for a fire apparatus.
He went on to add that, as for the 2nd access point proposed by Weyerhaeuser, he respectfully disagrees with them and agrees with the Assistant County Engineer. Topographically, the slopes would make construction very difficult.
Regarding wastewater, he said the preliminary design meets the requirements and applicable codes for flood hazard areas. The septic system has been designed specifically for flood areas.
Public Comments:
Brian Davern: A volunteer for the Kalama Fish Hatchery, expressed concern for the enormity of the project. He said it’s too oversized for the location, it would be unsafe, and it would be difficult to manage. Plus, people new to the river may not realize they’re near one of its most dangerous sections.
He also stressed that the additional trauma to native fish could cause significant harm. The natives are already being traumatized by being caught at the hatchery, sorted, and released. They are going upriver to spawn, and being caught is stressful enough; how much more stressful would it be for the fish if there were a bunch of people in the water right above the hatchery?
Michael Grimes: A Kalama River Road resident, addressed electricity and the power. If we lose power, what happens to their well and pump house? In an emergency, with 300 people there, how will you get them out? Keep in mind it will take at least 15 to 20 minutes for the fire trucks to get there. It’s a small road, and fire will “race up that valley, like you won’t believe”. There won’t be anybody up there but us.
Scott Wall: A resident who lives near the property in question said he has followed this closely since it was proposed two years ago. He’s read every document and attended the meetings, and for this December 4, 2025, public hearing, he submitted a well-thought-out, thoroughly researched 20-page document for the record.
In it, he expressed: Our concern is that this process can too easily turn into a box-checking exercise, where the existence of a document is treated as sufficient, even when its content does not meaningfully address the real-world risks.
What happens here is not abstract. Real people live in this canyon year-round. Real homes and properties are located along this narrow corridor. Real wildlife and a very fragile river system are directly affected by what is approved on this site.
Based on our review of the Staff Report and the supporting exhibits, the applicant’s responses do not reflect the level of seriousness or responsibility required for a project of this scale and location. If the applicant were truly serious about this endeavour, they would either take the time to fully educate themselves on fire, water, evacuation, environmental, and regulatory standards, or they would encourage their engaged professionals to submit complete, coordinated, and engineered responses that squarely address the questions you (Hearing Examiner) raised on September 15, 2025.
Instead, throughout the materials, there is a recurring pattern that is difficult to ignore: late or incomplete responses; vague assurances that details will be worked out later; shifting explanations; and, in some cases, key life‑safety issues treated as matters that can be deferred to future design or permitting stages. That might be an acceptable approach for a small, low‑risk project. It is not appropriate for a high‑occupancy commercial facility proposed in a remote canyon, surrounded by heavy timber, located in a mapped floodplain, with no reliable cell coverage and a single primary access road shared by residents, visitors, and industrial traffic.
County Staff’s Closing Remarks: Even if the permits are approved, the hearing examiner can revoke them at any time throughout the process if conditions are not met.
Hearing Examiner’s closing remarks: While he seemed hesitant about the event center, he did say that this application was highly complex and challenging, and he would seriously consider everything, including the RV Park and campground. I have two weeks to render my decision, and it will be available on the county website by then.
What is a Fire Paradyme?
Fire Paradyme = Wandering River Resort’s community-focused, almost spiritual way of doing campfires.
They have spoken about evening gatherings and how they are part of what would make the Resort feel different from any other typical campground.
- Communal fire circles are typically designed for storytelling, music, or quiet reflection.
- A cultural effect that treats fire with respect — a living centerpiece of the community spirit.
Wandering River Resort Proposal Information:
Jeremy Irish owns Wandering River Resort & Campground and is also the co-founder of the popular nationwide game Geocaching.com. It’s been reported that he launched the Resort as a personal passion project, drawing on his love for outdoor adventures, community, and sustainability to create a serene riverside retreat.
What do they plan to offer:
10 Hypedomes on platforms
9 Individual drop structure sites
4 Individual camping sites
2 RV sites with RV dump station
4 camping pods (12 tents)
PARKING: 43 spaces
1 EV CHARGING STATION
Remodel the 2-story building to include an upstairs suite (2-bedroom/1-bath) and a cafe & kitchen downstairs.
New shower/bathhouse
New trash enclosure
From Wandering River’s Website:
At Wandering River, we believe in the power of nature to heal and inspire. Our sprawling grounds offer a variety of amenities, including cozy cabins, spacious campsites, and scenic trails, inviting guests to reconnect with the natural world and nourish their body, mind, and spirit. From tranquil river walks to exhilarating outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy
In addition to our picturesque surroundings and outdoor activities, Wandering Rive is proud to host a diverse range of events and gatherings. From weddings and family reunions to corporate retreats and team-building workshops, our versatile facilities can accommodate gatherings of all sizes and purposes. Furthermore, as part of our commitment to holistic well-being, we specialize in hosting religious and spiritual gatherings and retreats aimed at nurturing and enriching the spiritual lives of individuals. Our serene surroundings and tranquil atmosphere provide the perfect setting for reflection, meditation, and connection with nature, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal.
At Wandering River, we offer a sacred space for religious and spiritual services, providing gatherings and retreats designed to develop and enhance the spiritual lives of individuals. Whether you’re seeking guidance on your spiritual journey or simply wish to commune with like-minded individuals, our retreats offer a transformative experience in communion with nature.
County Link for current documentation: https://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/DocumentCenter/Index/5221
https://www.redfin.com/WA/Kalama/4311-Kalama-River-Rd-98625/home/14837471
https://www.wanderingriver.com
Protect Kalama River Valley Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577378738617
