 Karridale was established as a timber mill in 1884 by M. C. Davies who saw the potential from large virgin forests of Karri trees ("Eucalyptus diversicolor") in the area.The Karridale School opened in 1888.At its peak the town was home to 300 men and their families who worked in the forest and at the M.C.Davies Karri and Jarrah Timber Company mill.