Forest Service
Gotchen Guard Station
Forest Service campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Lewis / South Cascades with 1 sites, Reservations may be available.
Campground Details
- Season
- Reservations may be available
- Rate
- $100/night
- Sites
- 1
- Accessible sites
- Not listed
- Max RV length
- Not listed
- Phone
- Not listed
- County
- Lewis / South Cascades
- Parent area
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Overview
Built in 1909, the Gotchen Creek Guard Station is the oldest historic structure on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and the only building constructed during the administration of Gifford Pinchot, first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service and an early conservation leader. Within the state of Washington, only a few ranger stations of this age survive. It is a small two-room cabin nestled in a grove of aspen trees at the edge of a meadow, just a few miles from the Mt. Adams Wilderness. The cabin served as the administrative headquarters for the Mt. Adams District from 1909 until 1916. The ranger station was built along the primary "sheep driveway" entering the Forest from the east, which tens of thousands of sheep passed through. It was formally listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. Gotchen Creek Guard Station ranked among those historic sites "recognized for their unique contributions to Washington's heritage." The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. The guard station is located near the base of Mt. Adams, which at 12,276 feet is the second highest peak in Washington. It is a few...
What the Source Lists
Reservation type
Location Notes
- Address
- 2455 Hwy 141, Trout Lake, WA
- Directions
- SUMMER ACCESS Automobile Access to the cabin is over snow in the winter. Guests will not be able to drive to the cabin after snow has fallen typically in November or December through April. The cabin is located about 20 minutes outside of Trout Lake, WA when road is not impassable by snow. From Trout Lake head towards Pineside Sno-Park on Mt. Adams Recreation Highway. Once you get to Pineside Sno-Park take Forest Road 8225 to the junction with Forest Road 8225060. Turn right and the cabin is 150 yards on the left. WINTER SNOWMOBILE OR SKI IN: - From Snow King Sno-park you can ski in on the Lava loop to the Pipeline loop and the top of the Pipeline loop. Grooming stops here. From here you head NW on FS 181 to FS 8225. Turn Right on FS8225 to the junction with the FS8225060 and then turn right. Cabin is on your left. Total miles: 3.5 - From Pineside Sno-park you just head straight up FS...
Source Notices
warning
No potable water at this site.
warning
No animals are allowed at the cabin. Thank you.
warning
The Gotchen Guard Station sleeps up to 6 people and requires that renters bring bedding, potable water and a non-flammable light source. The cabin has sleeping in the living room for up to 4 in a "full" or double size bunkbed; and the same in a separate building. Although the beds can sleep 8, a maximum of 6 people is allowed in this small historic cabin. Propane heat, cooking stove and refrigerator are provided as well as toilet paper for the vault toilet.
warning
During winter months access to cabin is over snow. Guests will not be able to drive to cabin after snow has fallen. In the event of a heavy snowfall, guests may not be able to access nearby Pineside Sno-Park or could get stranded. The Forest Service does not plow the road to the Sno-Park, and does not plow the road to the Guard Station. Those with existing reervations are advised to check weather conditions close to their reservation date and plan accordingly; refund requests will be honored if...
warning
Camping is prohibited at the guard station, as are open fires.
warning
Pack out all food and garbage and clean the facility before you leave.