Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Tucannon Guard Station - Washington

Umatilla National Forest

History

In the spring of 1908, Deputy Supervisor Frank Marks surveyed the tract for Tucannon Guard Station, and cut and hauled logs to the O. Dell's Mill to cut the lumber for the new house. Harry Johnson built the residence in 1909, and Harry's brother-in-law, William Kendell, was hired on as a guard. That October he passed the Ranger's exam and became the ranger for the Tucannon area. Marks moved into the Guard Station with his family of seven children the following March. The mail box was located eight miles down the road, and at that time, all travel was by horseback or by foot.

In 1916, the Tucannon Guard Station became headquarters for the District after new District boundaries were formed. Then in 1918, the headquarters moved to Pomeroy, and Tucannon remained a work center for many years.

Description

The historic Tucannon Guard Station is a two-story wood frame structure with wood siding and a shake shingle roof. The upstairs is divided into two sleeping areas, one furnished with bunk beds and the other with a double bed. The ground floor has one bedroom (that is used off season as a display room and not furnished as a bedroom), and a living room furnished with a futon that sleeps two, a chair and end tables. The kitchen/dinning area is well equipped with a cook stove and refrigerator, table and chairs. The downstairs bathroom has a flush toilet and hot/cold shower facilities.

The guard station has electricity and propane for heating and cooking. While the cabin has running water all year, it is not potable. Visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking and cooking. Most cleaning supplies, dishes, pots/pans, and utensils are provided, although visitors are encouraged to bring their own gear to supplement. Please bring your own bedding/sleeping bags.

A picnic table beneath the trees near the cabin allows for comfortable outdoor dining in the summertime.

Area Attractions & Activities

From the cabin, it's a short drive north to some of the best fishing ponds in the Tucannon Drainage, as well as great fishing on the Tucannon River. Check the Washington State fishing regulations for seasons and rules. About eight miles north of the cabin is The Last Resort, a convenience store/gas station and RV park. Access to trailheads and wilderness hiking trails is just a few miles to the South of the cabin in the Tucannon Wilderness Area, and visitors will enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road following the Tucannon River. There are many photo opportunities of wildlife. Watch for wild turkey, pheasant, deer, elk, and even an occasional moose in the Tucannon area.

Amenities

• Flush Toilets
• Bath/Shower
• Hot and Cold Running Water
• Electricity
• Electric Cook Stove
• Electric Refrigerator
• Electric Lights
• Propane Heating

Pets

Pets are welcome.

Warning

There may be mouse poison, such as Decon, within the Guard Station perimeters. Please keep children and pets away from from poisons.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

FROM POMEROY: Take Highway #12 west out of Pomeroy for approximately 4 miles. Turn left on Tatman Mountain Road, continue on paved road for approximately 6.5 miles (sharp right turn at top of hill) where pavement ends. Continue on gravel road (this road has sharp hairpin turns) to stop sign. Turn left onto Tucannon Road and continue for approximately 9-10 miles. The Guard Station is on the right hand side of road

FROM DAYTON: Take Highway #12 east out of Dayton. Go approximately 11.5 miles, turn right on Tucannon Road. Continue approximately 24-25 miles. The Guard Station is on the right hand side of the road. This route is best for large motor homes and in the winter for those with only 2 wheel drive vehicles. However, it is advisable to contact the Columbia County Highway Department (in Dayton, WA) to obtain a road condition report during the winter months.