Camp Tamarack

For more than 80 years, the area was known as Onion Valley because of the profusion of wild onions growing there, and it was mainly used as a summer stock range. In the late 1860-70’s, C. Brown operated a sawmill there. Later, a man called “Turkey” Johnson came every summer with sheep, pigs, chickens, and turkeys; during one early snowstorm, the turkeys took to the pines and Johnson could not get them down. Dave Filipini received the first land patent, then later sold the property to Will and Chas. Gann, who used it as summer pasturage. In the early 20’s, W.H. Hutchins built the first store and changed the name to Camp Tamarck. His large building also housed a dance hall and saloon. After several owners and various locations, the lodge was moved to its current location by the State to make room for the present Hwy 4.

California · United States