Among the Treetops: Camp Gallagher Suspension Bridges
Design/Build: Wild Tree Woodworks & Monkeypod Designs
Longbranch, Washington
Every build brings its own challenges — whether in design or logistics — but this project pushed us to new heights in both areas, literally.
When fellow builder Jason Lindsey invited us to collaborate on a suspension bridge with viewing platforms, we knew right away it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. Jason is a craftsman we deeply respect, and working alongside him and fellow masters Javier, Luke, and Sarah Jay made what could have felt impossible seem effortless.
After a careful process of choosing the right trees and finalizing a design that excited the camp staff, we worked closely with our engineer to ensure everything was safe and structurally sound. We decided on metal support frames paired with the highest-quality natural rope and netting — materials chosen not only for their safety but also for their durability, ensuring this build will last for generations to come. Given the green light, we were ready to begin.
The project required us to build 50 feet in the air, in a remote and pristine location, with the goal of creating something truly special: a forest canopy experience for the young campers at Camp Gallagher.
The result is a 200-foot aerial walkway suspended in the trees — a place for education, play, and wonder. As campers step onto the bridge, the forest greets them from a new perspective: the sway of the bridge underfoot, the filtered light through branches, and the calls of birds overhead. It’s an experience that sparks curiosity and a sense of adventure, a chance to see the world as few ever do.
Camp Gallagher has long captured the imagination of youth with its stunning setting by the Puget Sound. Now, with this elevated walkway weaving through the forest canopy, it offers a new kind of magic — one that invites exploration, connection, and awe among the treetops.
If you or someone you know has teenagers looking for a transformative summer camp experience, Camp Gallagher’s programming is worth a look. They offer co-ed overnight summer experiences for middle and high schoolers in the Pacific Northwest that combine adventure, nature, friendships, and personal growth.
Photographs copyright Wild Tree Woodworks LLC
