Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Government Mineral Springs Guard Station - Washington

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

History

Recreational users were drawn to Government Mineral Springs early in the 20th century, and established informal camping grounds near the Guard Station. In 1910, S.D. Fox and the Star Brewing Company of Portland began construction of a 50-room hotel at the soda springs near Trapper Creek, which eventually became known as Government Mineral Springs. The popular resort boasted bath houses, Iron Mike Bubbling Springs, a dance pavilion, store, ice cream parlor, goldfish ponds, and flower gardens. Early advertisements for the resort claimed the mineral water spas were capable of curing physical ailments such as gallstones, rheumatism, diabetes and anemia, as well as stomach, liver, kidney, skin, and nervous disorders. In 1935, the hotel burned to the ground.

Camping remained popular at the site, and in 1937 and 1938 the Civilian Conservation Corps significantly expanded and developed the public campground. The guard station was built in 1937 by CCC enrollees from Company 944, based at Camp Hemlock, near the community of Stabler. The purpose of the guard station was for Forest Service administration of the campground and other local recreational use. Alfred Albert was the first guard stationed in the cabin. Mr. Albert, his wife, and two children lived at the guard station during the summers of 1937 and 1938.

Description

Nestled in a grove of towering old-growth conifer trees, this recently renovated two-story cabin sports a fresh coat of light green paint, dark green trim, shutters with decorative tree cut-outs, and a cozy covered front porch. The lower floor features a large kitchen with a propane stove, a dining room, and a living room with a fireplace and two futons that fold down into double beds. Two upstairs bedrooms can accommodate five, with two single beds in one bedroom and one bunk bed that sleeps three in a second bedroom. Propane heat, lights and a cooking stove are provided, along with wood for the fireplace. Pots, pans, dishes and utensils are provided. A vault toilet is located nearby.

There is no potable water at the cabin, and visitors are encouraged to bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. A stream within 300 feet of the Guard Station may be used as a water source; however, the water must be treated or boiled before drinking. Melted snow can be used for washing, but is not safe for drinking.

Area Attractions & Activities

The cabin is within easy walking distance of Trapper Creek Wilderness and less than an hour’s drive to Indian Heaven Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail (during the summer months). Depending on the time of year, fishing, hiking, biking, mushroom and huckleberry picking, hunting and winter sport activities are abundant. Nearby fishing opportunities include Spring Chinook fishing on the Wind River (below Carson National Fish Hatchery) approximately April - June, and lake fishing for Brown and Brook trout in Soda Peaks Lake, June through September, as well as additional spots in Trapper Creek Wilderness. The Guard Station is located between Mt. St Helens National Volcanic Monument and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, conveniently located for day trips.

Amenities

• Vault Toilet
• Propane Heater
• Fireplace
• Firewood
• Propane Lights
• Propane Cook Stove

No additional camping is allowed on the site.

Pets

No pets permitted on site.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From Interstate 84, take Cascade Locks Exit 44 and cross Bridge of the Gods to Highway 14 in Washington. Turn right on Highway 14 and travel 5 miles to the Carson junction with Wind River Highway. Follow Wind River Highway through Carson and continue northwest approximately 14 miles to the Carson National Fish Hatchery. Continue northwest for one mile on Forest Service Road 3065 to the entrance.

When roads are snow-free, visitors can reach the cabin by car. During the winter, a trip to the cabin on skis or snowshoes will take about 10 minutes from the parking area. During the winter months, come prepared for changing weather conditions. A foot of snow falling overnight in December or January is not uncommon, and visitors may not be able to depart as scheduled first thing in the morning.