Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Suiattle Guard Station - Washington

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

History

The cabin was built in 1913 to house a forest guard working in the Suiattle drainage. The guard was responsible for fire prevention and suppression, issuing fire permits to campers and hikers, and patrolling campgrounds along the Suiattle River. The guard was usually the first person on the scene of a wildfire.

The cabin was constructed by Tommy Thompson, Assistant Ranger of the Suiattle-Finney district. Prior to World War I, Forest Service construction budgets were limited and building costs could not exceed $800. Because of budget limitations, rangers built their own stations. Many rangers used log construction and hand split shakes, reducing the need to purchase building materials. Poor construction was common result of budget limitations combined with rangers’ lack of construction experience. However, construction details on the Suiattle Guard Station, such as the half-dovetail notching, show that Ranger Thompson knew how to work with logs. It is a testament to his skill that the cabin survives to this day as one of the two oldest administrative buildings on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

In 1913 the Suiattle drainage patrols were conducted on foot or by pack string. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed a road through the drainage during the late 1930s. In 1935/36, the CCC added a garage for storing fire tools. The Suiattle Guard Station was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.

Description

This one bedroom cabin contains one full-sized bed, a table, two benches, one futon couch/bed, two chairs, a propane refrigerator, stove and hot water heater, and a wood stove (firewood available outside). A bathroom with a flush toilet is located at the back of the guard station. An outhouse is located 20 feet from the building. The water source to the building consists of a spring that is run into a small collection box on the hillside behind the cabin and piped into the building. This water is NOT DRINKABLE and is to be used only for the toilet. Occupants should bring their own drinking, cooking and washing water.

Area Attractions & Activities

There are several trails in the area for hiking and horseback riding. Fishing, hunting, photography, wildlife viewing, and river watching are other activities nearby. Elevation at the Guard Station is 1,088 feet.

Amenities

• Flush Toilet
• Outhouse
• No Potable Water
• Propane Refrigerator
• Stove
• Propane Lanterns
• Wood Stove
• Firewood

There is room on site for two to four tents and/or one to two RV’s (self contained - no electricity).

Pets

Pets are allowed.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

The Guard Station is located approximately 26 miles northeast of Darrington. Travel northeast on Highway 530 about 7 miles from Darrington and turn right (east) onto Forest Service Road 26, a gravel road also called Suiattle River Road. The cabin is located about 19 miles out FSR 26.

Warning

This is an all-wood structure. Extreme caution must be taken when using lanterns, cook stoves, or any other appliances. Smoking is prohibited inside the cabin. Note the location of the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its use. Use caution when utilizing the wood stove. Please do not split kindling wood inside the guard station. Keep the stove door closed when burning.