Godman Guard Station

Step out of the Godman Guard Station and into the back yard of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This wilderness includes an expanse of 177,465 acres of rugged, basaltic ridges, steep canyons, rushing rivers and their tributaries, quiet beauty, abundant wildlife, and stunning views. Access to the Wilderness is via West Butte Trail #3138.

Built in the 1930s, this two-story, wood frame structure is surrounded by tall timbers such as Grand fir, Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, Lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir that hug the cabin’s walls and provide a sheltering second roof of sweeping branches. The cabin features two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and it's furnished with three bunk beds, two single beds, a couple of chairs, as well as a table and chairs. An vault toilet is located close to the cabin. The kitchen is equipped with a propane stove and refrigerator as well as some eating/cooking utensils. However, renters are encouraged to bring their own bedding, dishes, cooking/eating utensils and own pots/pans. There are propane lights and heat throughout the cabin.

Visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. There is no water at this site. Horses are allowed at (NOT IN) the barn approximately 200 yards up the hill from the cabin. There is a picnic table and a fire ring close to the cabin for outdoor leisure.

There is another structure on the site, a warming shelter used by the snowmobile club, which is not available to the public for rent.

Do call the Pomeroy Ranger District three business days before your arrival date to receive 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: Godman Guard Station is available for rent year round.

History

The area around Godman has been used as a recreational area for settlers of Dayton, WA, Columbia and Garfield Counties since the turn of the century. The guard station was built as part of an administrative complex in 1933-34.

Current Conditions

Automobile access to this site runs from approximately mid June through the end of October, depending on weather conditions. Sometimes automobile access may be earlier or later than anticipated, so when making your reservation be prepared to have an alternate travel method (snow mobile, snow shoes & sled, etc) in case the snow stays longer in the spring, or comes in earlier in the fall. We will no longer authorize refunds for inaccessibility due to inclement weather conditions.

General Information

No smoking.
Pets are welcome, but visitors must pick up after them.
This is a pack it in pack it out site, no garbage service.

Amenities

Vault toilet
Propane Lights
Propane Heater
Stove
Refrigerator
Hitching post/manger at the barn.

Warning

This facility may have mouse poison (decon) within it's parameter, so watch small children and pets closely.

Year Round

Check in time is 1:00 PM, and check out time is 11:00 AM.

Passes are not accepted at this site.

There is no water at this site; therefore renters will need to bring a supply of water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Renters will need to bring sleeping bags and/or bedding and are encouraged to bring their personal cooking and eating utensils for their stay.
No garbage service available. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
Pets are welcome; visitors are required to clean up after them.
No smoking.

It is $60 per night from May 1 through September 30, and $75 per night from October 1 through April 30, with a maximum of eight occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the guard station.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 46.1005

Longitude: -117.7852

Elevation

5,700'

Directions

From Dayton, Washington (approximately 28 miles): (summer route)Travel south on 4th Street for 6 blocks, and turn east (left) onto Eckler Mountain Road (also turn off for the cemetery) for approximately 15 miles. Turn right at the Y in the road. Continue on Forest Service Road 46 for 9 miles to Godman. The guard station will be on the left. Winter use will require alternate transportation such as skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile. Please use the following directions for winter use. From Dayton, Washington, travel south on 4th Street. Follow road directions to Bluewood Ski Area. Before the entrance to the ski area, park in the available snowmobile parking area at Touchet Corral. Travel the groomed snowmobile route, taking all lefts to Godman, approximately 13 miles. There are direction signs along the route put up by the local snowmobile club. Although visitors may ski to the cabin, the route is difficult and for advanced skiers only. A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required to park at the Sno-Park. Permits may be obtained from any State Park office.