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AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION

Naches, Washington · USDA Forest Service

HookupsLake/water
AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

American River Guard Station is located about 40 miles west of Naches, Washington on the banks of the American River in the eastern Cascade Mountains. The rustic cabin and outhouse were built by the men of the 932nd Camp Naches Civilian Conservation Corps crew in 1941 as a summer residence and work site for fire patrol and recreation management personnel. In the 1970s, volunteers and permit holders sporadically used the cabin, until it was found eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Today, the cabin offers visitors a wonderful setting for year-round recreation and relaxation.The cabin setting provides ready access to Bumping Lake, where boating and fishing are popular. Hiking and horseback riding trails extend into the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile access draws visitors to the Little Naches drainage. In winter, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing are popular in the American River area. The cabin is also conveniently located 30 minutes below the summit of Chinook Pass and Mt. Rainer National Park . A trip along the scenic Mather Parkway is a fantastic outing. The American River, adjacent to the cabin, offers a scenic backdrop for anglers. Its cold, clear waters sustain populations of rainbow and brown trout. Whitewater enthusiasts may enjoy a paddle on the American River or one of its tributaries. The Depression-era rustic cabin has a small kitchen, a living/sleeping area, one bedroom and a full-sized sleeping loft and storage room. There is a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room, a full-size bed and mattress in the bedroom and four twin size beds with mattresses in the upstairs loft. Sleeping bags and sleeping pads are not provided. The cabin is furnished with a dining table and chairs for four people (with hidden leaf to expand for eight people), a small refrigerator and an electric range. There is a wood stove, electric light fixtures and a living room electric baseboard heater. Guests should be aware that open flame devises such as propane stoves, gas lanterns, and candles are prohibited indoors. The kitchen is equipped with a coffee maker, pots, dishes and glassware, but guests must bring several of their own supplies including food, cooking utensils, dish soap, towels, matches, garbage bags and a first aid kit. Outside, near the cabin, there is a picnic table and campfire ring. The original two-seater outhouse has been restored. Wood may be available

Directions

Located off State Route (SR) 410 near milepost 88. For security purposes, access to the cabin is through a locked gate; Doors to the cabin are also locked. The combination to the gate lock will be included in your confirmation letter. This same combination will open a security box by the main cabin door, which contains the cabin key. Please contact the Ranger District at 509-653-1401 prior to your arrival at the cabin for current restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, or weather that may affect the quality of your visit. From Naches, travel west on US Highway 12 for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto SR 410 W for 27.5 miles. Turn left onto Bumping River Rd / Forest Road 1800. Cross the bridge over American River, then turn left onto the American Forks Campground Road. From Enumclaw, depart SR 164/Griffin Ave toward Wells St. After ½ mile turn left onto SR 410/Roosevelt Ave. Follow SR 410 approximately 66 miles east to the intersection with Bumping River Road (FR 1800). Turn right onto the American Forks Campground Road. The cabin and access road will be on the left shortly after turning onto the campground road. Up to 4 passenger vehicles may be parked at the guard station site. Additional cars and recreational vehicles may be accommodated in the nearby overflow parking off Bumping Road 1800. Major roads accessing the cabin from Naches are plowed in the winter.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Washington
City / area
Naches
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Campsites
1
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$90 / night
Rating
3.74 / 5 (46 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
See Recreation.gov

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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