Horse team pulling log on skid road, ca 1902 (MOHAI 1235)

At first, loggers used oxen to haul logs out of the woods. Later, they used horses, which were more intelligent and easier to handle. The teams pulled the logs along skid roads to a river or railroad line. Skid roads were built of logs laid across or along the track. Greasing the skid road logs made it easier to pull the newly-cut logs through rough and muddy areas.
Handwritten on sleeve: Skid road in timber with crew, horses skidding log out of brush.

Caption by MOHAI staff.
Subjects (LCTGM): Lumber industry--Washington (State); Horses--Washington (State); Loggers--Washington (State); Logs--Washington (State); Forests--Washington (State)