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Tucannon Guard Station
Spend the day at the charming saltbox-style Tucannon cabin situated on a shady, gently rolling site at the base of a hillside. Pull up a chair on the covered front porch, and enjoy the peace and quiet, while keeping binoculars and a camera handy. A picnic table beneath the trees near the cabin allows for comfortable outdoor dining in the summertime. Other opportunities include fishing at the Tucannon River or hiking one of many trails through the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness.
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 as a display/information 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 for cooking and propane for heating. The cabin has running water all year and is potable. 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.
- Do call the Pomeroy Ranger District three business days before your arrival date to recieve a combination for cabin access. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and our phone number is (509) 843-1891.
- Availability: Tucannon Guard Station is available for rent year around.
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. Ranger 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 and 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.
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Check in is at 1:00 PM, and check out is at 11:00 AM. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov. The maximum-length stay is fourteen consecutive nights. |
| Area Amenities: | Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking |
| Fees: | It is $100 per night per group, with a maximum of 6 occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the Guard Station. |
| Open Season: | Year Round |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Pomeroy, Washington |
| Water: | Yes |
| Restroom: | Yes |
| Passes: | Passes are not required at this cabin site. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for access to trailheads and wilderness hiking trails; which are just a few miles to the South of the cabin in the Tucannon Wilderness Area. |
| Operated By: | Pomeroy Ranger District |
| Information Center: | Pomeroy Ranger District 509-843-1891 |
General Information
Directions:From Pomeroy, Washington (approximately 22 miles): Head west on U.S. Highway 12, out of Pomeroy, for approximately 4.5 miles. Turn left on Tatman Mountain Road for 1.2 miles. Take a right onto Linville Gulch Road and continue for 5.3 miles. Take a right onto Blind Grade Road and continue for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Tucannon Road and continue for approximately 8-9 miles. Tucannon Guard Station will be on the right.
From Dayton, Washington (approximately 22 miles): Take Highway #12 Northeast out of Dayton for approximately 11 miles, turn right on Tucannon Road. Continue approximately 24-25 miles, the Guard station is on the right hand side of the road. In the winter this is the best route for those that have 2 wheel drive vehicles. However, it is advisable to contact the Columbia County Highway Department (in Dayton, WA) to obtain current road conditions.
General Notes:
- No smoking.
- Pets are welcome, but visitors are required to clean up after them.
- No RVs or tent camping is allowed on this site.
- This is a pack it in pack it out site, no garbage service.
Amenities
- Flush Toilet
- Bath/Shower
- Hot and Cold Running Water
- Electricity
- Electric Cook Stove
- Electric Refrigerator
- Electric Lights
- Propane Heating
Warning
There may be mouse poison, such as Decon, within the Guard Station perimeters. Please monitor children and pets closely.
Parking:
Parking is for cabin rental customers only. There is plenty of parking for up to 3 vehicles.
Activities
Cabin Rentals
From the Tucannon cabin, if you take a short drive north, some of the best fishing ponds are located on the Tucannon Drainages and 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 KOA RV park. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for access to trailheads and wilderness hiking trails; which are just a few miles to the South of the cabin in the Tucannon Wilderness Area. Visitors may enjoy the beautiful scenery along the road following the Tucannon River. There are many photoshoot opportunities of wildlife. Watch for wild turkey, pheasant, deer, elk, and even an occasional moose in the Tucannon area.
Amenities
| Picnic tables: | 1 Table |
|---|---|
| Parking: | For Rental only |
| Toilets: | Indoor |