The mill was originally powered by a wooden turbine, an uncommon choice compared to traditional water wheels of the era.
It was abandoned in 1942 before being acquired and restored by a non-profit foundation starting in 1980.
The interior machinery features authentic wooden gears and shafts that remain functional today.
The mill uses stone-ground methods that do not heat the flour, preserving more nutrients than modern industrial steel rollers.
It is situated on the site of a former mill established by Isaac Eby in the 1870s.
The facility produces various types of stone-ground flours and cornmeal sold to visitors during active milling events.
The Cedar Creek Grist Mill is a restored 1876 water-powered mill located along the banks of Cedar Creek in Woodland, Washington. It is the only remaining pioneer-era grist mill in Washington State that still utilizes its original grinding stones to process flour. The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 following a comprehensive restoration process. The mill functions through a wooden water turbine rather than a traditional overshot wheel, reflecting unique period engineering. Visitors can observe the mechanical process of milling grain during scheduled operational demonstrations. The site is maintained by the Cedar Creek Grist Mill Foundation, which preserves the building as a living history museum. The mill spans three stories and is constructed primarily from local cedar timber.
The wooden footbridge spanning Cedar Creek, providing a clear view of the mill's exterior and water intake area.
Check the official website for 'Milling Days' to see the machinery in operation.
Wear comfortable, flat-soled shoes as the historic wooden floors can be uneven.
Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Ariel Dam for scenic forest views.
Do not attempt to visit on weekdays during the off-season without checking the event schedule, as the mill is often closed.
The mill is primarily open to the public on weekends from spring through autumn; winter visits are generally unavailable.
Stay behind roped-off areas near the moving machinery and refrain from touching historical artifacts.
