Gotchen Guard Station
Federal campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Location: Trout Lake, WA, WA
Price: From $100 per night
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (13 reviews)
Season: May through October
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.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/gotchen-guard-station to be notified when sites open up.
Historic 1909 Gotchen Creek Guard Station, the oldest structure on Gifford Pinchot National Forest and only building from Gifford Pinchot's administration. Located in aspen grove near Mt. Adams Wilderness with comfortable porch for resting during cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, or snowshoeing.
Wildlife alert: American Black Bear present in area. Also verified: Redhead, Greater White-fronted Goose, American Goldfinch, House Wren, Valley Garter Snake, Western Skink, Northwestern Garter Snake.
Insider tips for Gotchen Guard Station: Book early — federal campground with high demand Only 1 tent site available Treat the historic cabin respectfully as a day-use rest stop during winter activities when accessible by ski, snowshoe, or foot
Skip Gotchen Guard Station if: Expecting RV/vehicle hookups — none available. Need year-round access — seasonal May through October operation. Planning winter vehicle access — automobile routes typically blocked by snow November-April.
Best time to visit Gotchen Guard Station: May-October — Official operating season. Winter access by snow only; automobile access typically blocked November/December through April..
Nearby campgrounds: Mt. Adams Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf (Trout Lake, WA), Trout Lake Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf (Trout Lake, WA), Atkisson Group Camp (CARSON, WA), Peterson Prairie Cabin (TROUT LAKE, WA).
Cell Phone Coverage at Gotchen Guard Station
Cell signal at Gotchen Guard Station (Trout Lake, WA): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
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.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
federal campground with high demand
Only 1 tent site available
Treat the historic cabin respectfully as a day-use rest stop during winter activities when accessible by ski, snowshoe, or foot
Official operating season. Winter access by snow only; automobile access typically blocked November/December through April.
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
SUMMER ACCESS Automobile Access to the cabin is over snow in the winter. Guests will not be able to drive to the cabin after snow has fallen typically in November or December through April. The cabin is located about 20 minutes outside of Trout Lake, WA when road is not impassable by snow. From Trout Lake head towards Pineside Sno-Park on Mt. Adams Recreation Highway. Once you get to Pineside Sno-Park take Forest Road 8225 to the junction with Forest Road 8225060. Turn right and the cabin is 150
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Gifford Pinchot National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Gifford Pinchot National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Gotchen Guard Station cost per night?+
What season is Gotchen Guard Station open?+
Does Gotchen Guard Station have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Gotchen Guard Station?+
How do I make reservations at Gotchen Guard Station?+
What is the cell service like at Gotchen Guard Station?+
What season is Gotchen Guard Station open, and what are check-in times?+
●Data sources on this page
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