From Garage to Growth: Powered by Community; Backwoods Hospitality-A Family Tradition

Backwoods Brewing began long before the pub ever opened its doors. It started in the Waters family garage, where brewing together was more than a hobby—it was a tradition. The kids have fond memories of helping their dad, the dreamer who always envisioned opening a pub where locals and visitors could gather, share a laugh, and enjoy a good beer. In 2010, the first of the Waters’ ambitious dreams came to life with the opening of Backwoods Market (formerly the Carson General Store). While getting the store running, they realized their large unused space was the perfect opportunity to bring dad’s pub dream to life. In 2012, Backwoods Brewing was born, in Carson Washington. Starting with a humble 1-barrel system. From those early days, three beers became cornerstones of the Backwoods lineup—Ridge Run Stout, Copperline Amber, and the ever-popular Logyard IPA—and remain on tap at all locations to this day.

In 2018, Backwoods expanded into Oregon with Backwoods in the Pearl, located in Portland’s Pearl District. By 2019, momentum was strong—until COVID-19 hit, stalling growth and challenging both pubs. The family weathered the storm, adapting and persevering to come out on the other side.

In 2020–2021, the Waters family purchased 19 acres near the Carson Pub, affectionately named Party Acres—a nod to their father Jim’s younger days spent with friends in the woods. While the original vision was to build a new brewpub and store, rising costs and supply shortages shifted their plans. Instead, they began with a lodging option for visitors: Backwoods Cabins. Eight cabins opened in 2023, offering guests a cozy stay after exploring the Gorge.

Opportunity knocked again shortly after the cabins opened, when a building became available in Hillsboro, Oregon. The Waters family jumped at the chance, opening Backwoods Hillsboro just months later.

The Waters family has embraced many exciting collaborations along the way. Most recently, they partnered with a professional UFC fighter to launch the Chupa Lagre, with more projects in the works. They’ve joined forces with SheFlies, an Oregon-based group empowering women in sports, opening the door for their SheFlies beer to be on tap at Providence Park in Portland. Backwoods also partners with the Portland Rip City Remix and the Portland Winterhawks. Even their Pilot Lager pays homage to son Steve’s alma mater, the Portland Pilots. Every partnership reflects the Backwoods commitment to community and connection.

In early 2024, another opportunity—too good to pass up—came along: the chance to purchase a new brewing system to replace their much-outdated equipment. Their existing 20-barrel direct fire kettle system, which used a jet flame to heat from the bottom, had slowly deteriorated over time, the heat eroding the metal until maintenance was no longer possible. The new system, a steam-powered 4-point system with a boiler, offers a smaller footprint, increased efficiency, and the ability to continue brewing large quantities—setting Backwoods up for years of quality beer production.

That’s when the Waters family turned to the Skamania Economic Development Council (EDC). This wasn’t their first time using the EDC loan program. The EDC loan board—made up of community members dedicated to sustaining growth in small towns—once again believed in their vision. The EDC funded the loan for the new system in early 2025, helping Backwoods take another big step forward. Tom Waters shares his advice for others: "Go to them with an open mind and a realistic game plan. Take the advice of utilizing a financial advisor and then—go for it.”

Through it all, community has been at the heart of everything Backwoods does. The Backwoods Foundation was formed from a small group of locals determined to ensure that children facing food insecurity would be fed. Today, Tom’s wife, Emily Waters, serves as the Foundation’s Executive Director. She also creates handcrafted soaps and candles, and now grows fresh farm flowers for sale. Annette runs a custom branding business, providing swag and promotional products for the pubs and the wider community.

Now, as Backwoods celebrates its anniversary, they’re inviting the community to join in. On August 22nd, there will be a party at the Carson Pub, followed by a golf tournament fundraiser for the Backwoods Foundation on August 23rd at Elk Ridge Golf Course. Immediately after the tournament, there’s a Golf Ball Drop—your chance to support the Foundation even more by purchasing balls for a shot at fabulous prizes.

To buy tickets online:https://www.backwoodsbrewingcompany.com/raffle?

From brewing in the family garage to pouring pints across the Pacific Northwest, Backwoods Brewing is proof that hospitality, hard work, and heart can create something truly special. For more information on how the EDC may be able to help you please visit: https://www.skamania-edc.org/loan-programs

Backwoods Brewing Company: https://www.backwoodsbrewingcompany.com/