Washington · Camping · Near Trout Lake

Gotchen Guard Station

1
sites
Apr–Sep
best months
  • 1 site for cabin and RV campingReservable on Recreation.gov
  • At 2,127 ft

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.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Gotchen Guard Station

    Campground

    The next 7 weekends are full on Recreation.gov
  • Eat after

    Glenwood Station

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 2 mi
  • If it rains

    Dylan Martinez Glass Studio

    Gallery

    Gallery · 24 mi from Trout Lake

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More in Trout Lake

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Sep

    Best time to visit Gotchen Guard Station

    Best months: April–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 24°

      13 wet · 6 snow

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      10 wet · 4 snow

    3. Mar

      52° / 28°

      10 wet · 2 snow

    4. Apr

      58° / 30°

      8 wet

    5. May

      68° / 36°

      6 wet

    6. Jun

      74° / 40°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 44°

      1 wet

    8. Aug

      84° / 43°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      77° / 36°

      3 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 29°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 27°

      11 wet · 2 snow

    12. Dec

      40° / 24°

      14 wet · 6 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Glenwood #2, WA, 3.3 mi away at 1,902 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Gotchen Guard Station

1 site for cabin and RV camping

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