The approach to Port Townsend’s gateway runs past the city’s Fentanyl Forest, where addicts survive night to night, fix to fix, saying they have no drug problems unless they don’t have enough to stay high. This is where campers rousted from Kah Tai Park go.
Those kicked out of the county’s Caswell-Brown encampment on Mill Road find refuge there. Colonies of addicts have been living in the dark woods for years, rotating in and out of campsites cleared in the forest, piling up unimaginable heaps of trash and debris.
There are always newcomers, more broken people finding their way into the woods and occupying an abandoned tent or making a new spot for themselves among the thorns and bracken. Fentanyl, those inexpensive, deadly blue pills mass manufactured in Mexico and China, now matches or surpasses the popularity of methamphetamine, the long-running scourge of our community. Heroin has dropped pretty much out of sight.
At least with addicts inhaling the fumes of burning Fentanyl off tin foil instead of injecting heroin there are fewer needles littering the ground. But don’t forget alcohol. There are still plenty of liquor bottles and beer cans around most campsites.
What about the county’s $2 million Caswell-Brown camp set up for the homeless?
Jefferson County’s Caswell-Brown homeless shelter marks the entry to the Fentanyl Forest. It houses fewer than twenty people remaining from those relocated from the chaotic, tragic Fairgrounds camp. Managed under long-term contract by OlyCap, the camp is a gated community in the Fentanyl Forest, but still part of its surroundings.
OlyCap’s Executive Director Cherish Cronmiller maintains that Caswell-Brown hosts 17-23 residents. In April 2022, Kathy Morgan, OlyCap’s Director of Housing and Community Development, told the County Commissioners they were hosting 19 adults and one child.
According to information from the Jefferson County Sheriff Office obtained through a public records request, since April, OlyCap has trespassed — ejected from the camp — at least eight of the residents. If so, only a dozen people may currently be living there.
Reports from the Sheriff’s office and my interviews with former residents reveal that the camp experiences drug use and trafficking on a significant scale. One resident told us that 60% of the residents in the Caswell-Brown camp continue to use drugs. As for dealing in order to pay for drug use, he said, “Everyone has their own gig.”
Cronmiller told us she cannot deny that the campers are using. Abstinence or participation in a recovery program are not required as a condition of living there.
Quite a few of the tents and RVs at the Caswell-Brown camp are empty. Cronmiller told the Free Press that OlyCap is allowed to admit only those people who previously lived in the cleared out Fairgrounds camp. That explains why it has been turning away people despite being less than half full.
This makes no sense to the people in the woods who had hoped for a safe place to set up a tent. It makes no sense, period, but that is how the County Commissioners wrote their order establishing the camp as an emergency shelter.
The Fentanyl Forest stretches south to Mill Road where the multimillion-dollar Caswell-Brown camp is situated, west and north to Sims Way, and east to where Larry Scott Trail reaches the water.
2022 Google map aerial view of large wooded tract north of the mill. Dense tree cover camouflages the sprawling encampments scattered throughout the woods comprising the Fentanyl Forest.
It encompasses the city’s newly acquired Evans Vista parcel and land belonging to the Port Townsend Paper Company (“the mill”), claims the trees around the field with the state Department of Social and Health Services building (DSHS), and ends behind Les Schwab and the other businesses on that side of Sims Way at the first roundabout.
Community angels help dozens in the forest.
I tagged along with crews of volunteers who deliver sandwiches, hot meals and fresh water, but mostly love and encouragement to the forest dwellers. The teams are led by Michael McCutcheon who has been conducting his outreach for over ten years, including four years when he worked for Olympic Peninsula Health Services.
Those helping included an entire family with young children and a man just out of prison. A Marine vet who has overcome alcohol abuse and a woman who recently, tragically lost a child, were also among the volunteers.
McCutcheon knows something about addiction, desperation, withdrawal and recovery. He lost a large construction company — twice — and two wives to 38 years of opiate disorder. He recovered his life, he says, when he gave it to Jesus Christ. With invaluable support from the Food Bank, helping others find their pathway to freedom is what he does now, all the time, seven days a week, 24/7.
The photos I took on those outings tell more than I can convey in words. I have not photographed the inhabitants of the forest out of respect for them. None could be said to be at their best. As telling as the photos are, they don’t impart the sense of surrender and despair, the stench of feces and rotting food, of mildew and mold on everything.
Dishing out love and enchilada casserole
For each outing, the teams prepared food for forty people, the approximate population in the woods around the large grassy field to the east of the roundabout at the city’s entrance. This day’s meal was enchilada casserole. The week before it had been pastrami, ham and roast beef sandwiches. There’s always a side dish or salad, and always homemade cookies. The teams also distribute gallon jugs of water. McCutcheon started doing that after encountering a woman trying to wash her face with alcohol wipes.
Arriving at the field we parked by large cement blocks where the blacktop ended. The spot serves as a trailhead into the undergrowth. There we encountered a man who looked to be in his twenties, groggy and stumbling out of the bushes. He was soaked through after spending the night unconscious outdoors, oblivious to the rain. He gratefully accepted breakfast and McCutcheon asked his clothing sizes so he could return with something dry for the young man to wear.
Temporary home of former business owner.
The week before, we had encountered a man in a hole scooped out of a hillock at the edge of the forest. He shouted paranoid stuff at us when we asked if he needed water. McCutcheon and others in the team knew him. He had run a profitable pot shop but had been taken down by Fentanyl. He was gone a week later. All that was left was a kind of open grave.
Immediately behind the hillock is a derelict RV engulfed by blackberry bushes and mounds of refuse. It reeks of gasoline and solvents. On the first outing we pushed through branches arranged to create a barricade intended to keep out police. We learned that one of the young men in the trailer had OD’d the night before. He’d been saved when his roommate administered Narcan, a medication used to treat opioid overdoses. McCutcheon distributes Narcan and ensures that the camps remain stocked. It is needed far too often.
Four people live in the RV under the tarp.
On our second visit there were three men and a woman in the RV. One of the men had previously lived at the Mill Road Caswell-Brown camp. They were all using Fentanyl and meth. McCutcheon says that everyone out there who uses Fentanyl also uses meth, but not necessarily the other way around. We left water for them.
Several trails lead from here into the woods. Take any fork and you will almost certainly come across an inhabited camp and piles and piles of trash accumulated by current and past residents. How much of the stuff was stolen is hard to say.
There are appliances, welding equipment, expensive tools, rusted knives and axes, upholstered furniture and strollers, shopping carts, makeshift kitchens, small mountains of rotting clothing and bedding. Solar-powered lights and candelabra are nailed to trees along the pathways. There are hundreds of abandoned bicycles in the woods and thousands of bicycle parts.
Levi DuPuy, maintenance manager for the Port Townsend Paper Company says it costs the mill $8,000 to $10,000 to clean up each small to medium size camp. “As soon as we get a spot cleaned up, they’re back two weeks later,” according to DuPuy.
It is very, very grim, a human dumping ground for a county that pretends it doesn’t have a desperate addiction crisis with all its consequences: mental illness, environmental and health hazards, crime, violence and suicide.
But there are rare slivers of light.
We encountered a well-dressed woman walking a trail that would take her deeper into the woods. She had come to visit a friend living in a tent.
“Hi, Michael,” she said. Her eyes sparkled. Her clothes were color-coordinated from the stars on her Converse high tops to the scarf knotted at her neck.
She was the woman who had inspired McCutcheon to add jugs of water to his outreach. I recognized her from the Fairgrounds encampment. I had seen her pass out and crumple onto a muddy road. In the past year she had moved to Caswell-Brown, been trespassed from there, then found her “bottom” in a miserable existence in the woods.
Law enforcement intervened somehow and it turned her life around. She cried out for help and received the care and medications needed for her dual diagnosis of addiction and mental illness. She quoted the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous to McCutcheon and said, “You helped me a lot.”
“You look beautiful,” I told her. “Everyone says that now,” she replied. “Because it’s true,” McCutcheon and I said in unison. He was beaming with joy.
Pictures tell the rest of the story.
The following photos are but a small sampling of what’s under those trees. The featured photo (at the top of this article) shows a sprawling tent complex on city property. It is far too large to capture in one shot. The photo was taken in the approximate center of the complex, with debris and trash in every direction.
People in the photos below are all volunteers, part of the crew bringing food and supplies – not those who are dwelling in the forest.
Typical trash pile, on city property.
Elaborate camp behind Les Schwab.
Soggy tent and trash.
Two people and an undernourished large dog live here.
Choking, sobbing woman given help here.
Trail on city property.
Shelter hidden in the bushes.
Camp on city property.
Trash from large abandoned camp on mill property.
Camp on private property north of state DSHS building.
Camp on city property.
Camp and trail on city property.
Camp deep in woods.
Blue tents seem to be most popular, perhaps donated by some organization?
Huge tent complex on city or mill property.
Small tent at edge of larger campsite.
Kitchen and pantry. Pressurized tanks.
Another large tent complex.
Well established campsite, surrounded by debris. Several people live here.
Dozens of butane cannisters.
Trash just outside tent in lower right of photo.
A glimpse inside a tent.
People living under trash.
Delivering water to RV trapped by years of overgrowth.
Guitar in the trees at this compound.
Tidiest camp we found.
Soggy books, soggy camp.
Jim Scarantino was the editor and founder of Port Townsend Free Press. He is happy in his new role as just a contributor writing on topics of concern to him. He spent the first 25 years of his professional life as a trial attorney, then launched an online investigative news website that broke several national stories. He is also the author of three crime novels. He resides in Jefferson County. See our "About" page for more information.
Jefferson county commissioners, city council members, and by their representation the community at large have become enablers, instead of aiding these lost souls.
To set the record a bit more straight. Michael was employed by Olympic Peninsula Health Services for four years to do this exact thing. Stating he has done it as a volunteer is not only misleading but false. Your articles are great at giving truthful facts, just thought this would be acknowledged.
Thank you for the clarification. That statement has been corrected.
J. D. Aldrich, the contract that I signed before you were ever employed for Olympic Peninsula Health Services never stated that I was required to feed people, love on them, bring clothes to them, give them opportunity for change. I was hired by Olympic Peninsula Health Services to navigate individuals that had opiate disorder that’s what I did and that’s what I was paid for. Now what you are bringing is shame upon the clinic because of your false accusations. You better figure out what you’re talking about before you post it.
Thank You Michael. These People Matter and you are doing the work of God. Peace and Love to You.
It is a sad condition to see. The fact that people are living like this is so tragic. It is my belief that addiction and mental health is not by choice. But recovery is by choice. I myself had to want it. It was by my choosing to get help that I now have a life of recovery. It’s not easy no one said it would be. But it’s what God intended for me.
I just happened to click on this story randomly and then saw your name and read the entire story. You are awesome mike. It’s so sad what fentanyl is doing to communities around the world. I’m glad I got out before it became so popular but it’s not the same for other people I care about..
In response to a query in our new Letters to the Editor forum, here is where donations towards Michael’s efforts can be made payable and mailed to:
Designate the funds: for Reachout
Jim stressed that Michael gets no compensation for this work. 100% of the donations go to food, clothing and other needs for those he is helping. And Jim follows up with this info for material goods like warm jackets and other winter clothing:
“Winter clothing is what is needed and requested. The most requested item is gloves. Donations (winter clothes only, please) may be dropped off during business hours at New Life Church, 1636 Hastings or the other locations participating in the winter clothing drive (I think the Co-op is one)… I believe someone is at the church by 10 a.m every day of the week until about 3 p.m. or so and always Sundays starting at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.”
A quick search for the church brings up their website (they also have a Facebook page). Their home page features a weekly program every Thursday night called CELEBRATE RECOVERY and also promotes their WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE. It asks for “winter coats, hats, hoodies, scarves, socks, and thermal underwear in all sizes — new or used but must be clean and in good condition.” The main drive ended on November 13th, but clearly there is still a need for additional clothing (as Jim said above, they especially need gloves). Their phone number for any further clarification is 360-385-7717.
I am so grateful for the Free Press and this post in particular. This information is welcome to those of us who see so little true, local reporting. I pray all involved with this article remain safe and encouraged to continue.
This is why I value the PT Free Press. You never see an article in the Leader or the PDN exposing this sort of mess. Keep the undesirables away from Water street businesses and out of sight.
2 million dollars to care for perhaps 20 people. The rest living amongst trash, wet and cold. What has been accomplished?
Again the people in power here are hucksters, I was born and raised in Port Townsend and when I saw what THEY let happen to the fairgrounds I couldn’t believe it. This is all part of the collapse agenda, I would like to help these people too let me know if I can help in some way. I always check the obituaries in the Leader and last week a young guy I knew passed away from drug overdose at 35 and I’d be lying if I didn’t see it coming he was out of control. I tried to help him but he was way out there, he was local Jaren Hackman RIPARADISE. So if I’m understanding this right the county is turning away homeless people when they have the room and got money to do so….something is so smelly here…there is hope I’ve noticed alot of people waking up to this madness, and yes a big shout out to you guys at the Free press we are gaining momentum just keep at it all of the light workers need to stand up NOW!
How can one donate to Michael McCutcheon and his group?
The power of individuals compared to government.
Thanks to his group and to Jim for what he does.
The degree of some issues at the homeless encampment may be due in part the soulless encampment at City Hall.
They actually appoint a “Mayor” that has his own propaganda newsletter. Put together by the “Public Experience Liaison”.
This month…how wonderful PT City Government is. Seriously.
Next month…. perhaps a real take on the hidden history and present times of Port Townsend. The encampment is now growing so much that it can be seen from the road. Noticed it just last week. Wouldn’t tours be fun? And image building.
There but for the grace of God go you or me. I mean the homeless, not the mayor. Maybe him too…Chicken anyone?
How to donate?
If anyone wants to donate, we are in need of winter jackets, socks, thermals, sweat pants- shirts, gloves any checks or cash donations make it to New Life Church and note it for reachout. Thanks
Please give an address and times to drop off clothing and a mailing address for checks. I have both. Thanks.
I would prefer that my check go for laundry for dirty clothing at the camp, and clothing I donate be given with a “trade in” of either clothes that can be cleaned and salvaged or trash bags of refuse left visible by the roadside where the city has to deal with it.
I would hate to think what I give is not valued and quickly becomes trash.
This is mostly the City’s land. I used to think it was taxpayer’s land. That would require listening to public input. So, definitely these photos show the property of some in power seen and unseen within the City of Port Townsend and organizations beyond.
Some are concerned about enabling. Both those in the forest and those in City Government and beyond.
Of course, level of ability to contribute will vary with forest folk. Pretty well established with City Government.
Taking control for those in the woods in small increments can be healing and rewarding. It’s a long road out of these woods.
I defer to your judgement Michael. You are in those trenches.
Grew up in PT. This breaks my heart, as it does to see the same where I now live. There’s many causes but one unpopular to focus on…housing as investment. All the speculation and flipping that means affording rent is a great privilege these days, totally unavailable to our brothers and sisters struggling so hard. When my family came to PT in the 60s, anyone could afford a room to live in… what a different life.
Thanks for making media like this, makes me proud.
Here in Clallam, I have worked with both Olycap and Dr. Berry. Your reportage is dead on accurate. What most people haven’t seen is how obnoxious, unprofessional, irresponsible, and pathologically dishonest they are as well. Being politically protected brings out the worst in many people
They are NOT working for us!
I did not know this and thank you to the Free Press for doing this in-depth reporting. Hopefully it will stimulate help for these people.
All these should be given a name. Camp Brotherton might be appropriate.
Wow life comes full circle, I grew up in that church actually help build it with Pastor Paul Buesnel. I went to the Christian school there called Cornerstone, definitely a place of light. We won back to back 3 state tournaments in basketball and went undefeated both years, nothing in the mis leader about it and looking back on it the Most High was with us just a tiny school with 7 guys stood up to accept our award and everyone was shocked just these few guys and nobody there to cheer us on but we had something definitely with us….good memories doesn’t surprise me this place is still doing light work…
The Port Townsend Free Press is doing the Work of God, of the Divine. Thank You ALL so much for being so brave as to stand up to the Darkness of the Political Machine. I Love You Guys SO MUCH. You are Truly Doing as Jesus would do. You Guys are the Real Deal. I LOVE YOU !!!
I’m so thankful for Michael’s work. He’s deeply compassionate but willing to be real with people when it matters.
This feels so overwhelming. I did a ride along with the police last month and we went through those woods around 10pm, meeting the folks that are staying there. In fact I recognize many of the camps in the photos. Many of them said they were waiting for Caswell-Brown Village (Mill Road) to fully open and were on the waiting list. I’m not sure what the holdup there is, but currently only the emergency relocation section is open. The full site will hold over 40 people, including those that weren’t at the Fairgrounds. I hope to see that make a difference in how many people are camped out in the woods. Of course that won’t solve the problem, but it’s more humane and offers a step up in regards to safety, regular showers and better access to food.
Thank you, Jim, for doing this article. I know you care a lot about this issue. I’ll be over at New Life on Saturday working on the wooden shelters. Maybe see you there.
Me and my wife have been apart of this ‘club’lol.since the fair grounds.abd let me tell you all.theres been some truth to what the editor is saying.but also some slander..me and My wife have been clean from IV use for approximately twenty eight months.the Caswell brown site has had no overdoses.and is very well ran program we thank everyone from Kathy Morgan and the manager of the Caswell brown robin and her crew so folks believe what you choose and last but not least.the Port Townsend build group for all there hard work to provide us with the new tiny homes
Mr. Smith: What slander? There is nothing false or defamatory in that article.
Fentanyl did not jump into these people. They sought it out and used money to buy and consume it. quit acting like they
innocent children when they are the sole cause of their own problems and will do nothing to help themselves except steal from
hard working people and hide in the woods.
In this article, the outright lies about Caswell-Brown Village are shocking. The report on the camps in the woods is informative – but why did the author think it was necessary to drag the Caswell-Brown Village through the mud? OlyCap does good work. They recently doubled the size of the Village and added tiny houses, and that is why it was not yet full when the article was written. And “multi-million gated community”? That’s ridiculous. It is a low-income managed encampment that helps many of their residents get started in an upward journey that leads to a better life. If we want to help the homeless, we need to support ALL efforts that have the same goal