Gotchen Guard Station

About Gotchen Guard Station

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. Recreation Many recreational opportunities are within close proximity of the Guard Station, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, skiing, and snowshoeing. The cabin is at the base of Mt. Adams, and near Mt. Adams Wilderness. Gotchen Creek Trail #40 and Snipes Mountain Trail #11 are both within close proximity of the cabin. Facilities The cabin sleeps a maximum of 6 people in two areas. There is one double bunk bed in the main room of the cabin, and there is a second double bunk bed in a seperate bunkhouse near the cabin. The cabin has propane heat, propane stove, and a propane refrigerator. Pots, pans, dishes, and cooking utensils are provided. A vault toilet is located about 20 yards from the cabin. There are 2 battery operated lanterns, but it is suggested you bring additional non-flammable light sources, such as a headlamp. There is no potable water at the cabin, and guests are strongly encouraged

How to Get There

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 8225 until you get to the junction with the 060 and then turn right. Cabin is on your left. Total miles 3.4 but all uphill. This route is not recommended for skiers.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to Gotchen Guard Station

Heading to Gotchen Guard Station? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)