Recreation Rental: Gov. Mineral Springs Cabin

Within a grove of towering old-growth conifer trees, this recently renovated two-story cabin sports a fresh coat of light green paint, dark green trim, shutters with decorative tree cut-outs, and a cozy covered front porch. The lower floor features a large kitchen with a propane stove, a dining room, and a living room with a fireplace and two futons that fold down into double beds. Two upstairs bedrooms can accommodate five, with two single beds in one bedroom and one bunk bed that sleeps three in a second bedroom.

There is no potable water at the cabin, and visitors are encouraged to bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. A stream within 300 feet of the Guard Station may be used as a water source; however, the water must be treated or boiled before drinking. Melted snow can be used for washing, but is not safe for drinking.

• Availability: Government Mineral Springs Guard Station is available for rent year round.
• Price and Capacity: $65 per night per group, with a maximum of nine occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the guard station.
• Reservations: There is a two night minimum on the weekends (Friday and Saturday). The maximum length stay is seven consecutive nights.  Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov

Trapper Creek Wilderness, back yard and playground for visitors of Government Mineral Springs Guard Station, consists of 6,050 acres of diverse habitat.  Sparkling cascading streams and waterfalls are plentiful throughout the steep slopes at the lower elevations, while huckleberry fields occur in the higher elevations near Observation Peak. A small lake in the southern portion of the Wilderness adds to the diversity of habitats.

Spotted owls inhabit the Wilderness as well as barred owls, pileated woodpeckers and goshawks. Animals commonly seen in the area include black tail deer, Roosevelt elk, and black bear. Cougar, bobcat, and pine marten can be seen occasionally. Bring binoculars and a camera.

Recreational users were drawn to Government Mineral Springs early in the 20th century, and established informal camping grounds near the Guard Station. In 1910, S.D. Fox and the Star Brewing Company of Portland began construction of a 50-room hotel at the soda springs near Trapper Creek, which eventually became known as Government Mineral Springs. The popular resort boasted bath houses, Iron Mike Bubbling Springs, a dance pavilion, store, ice cream parlor, goldfish ponds, and flower gardens. Early advertisements for the resort claimed the mineral water spas were capable of curing physical ailments such as gallstones, rheumatism, diabetes and anemia, as well as stomach, liver, kidney, skin, and nervous disorders. In 1935, the hotel burned to the ground.

Camping remained popular at the site, and in 1937 and 1938 the Civilian Conservation Corps significantly expanded and developed the public campground. The guard station was built in 1937 by CCC enrollees from Company 944, based at Camp Hemlock, near the community of Stabler. The purpose of the guard station was for Forest Service administration of the campground and other local recreational use. Alfred Albert was the first guard stationed in the cabin. Mr. Albert, his wife, and two children lived at the guard station during the summers of 1937 and 1938.