Facility Details - TABLE MOUNTAIN A-FRAME, WA

Overview

At an elevation of over 6,000 feet, Table Mountain A-Frame is nestled in a forest of subalpine fir, lodgepole pine and Englemann spruce, offering guests a unique lodging opportunity in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Built in the 1960s, the cabin was originally used under permit by the Boeing Company to test electronic gear at higher elevations. The structure came into Forest Service ownership when the company's special permit ended.

The cabin is available July through mid-October, and is accessible by car at that time. It is also available from mid-December through early April, and guests must park at the Blewett Pass Sno-Park and snowmobile, ski or snowshoe 7.5 miles to the cabin with a 2,200 foot elevation gain. Some amenities are provided, but guests should be prepared to bring several of their own supplies.

Natural Features:

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is defined by its diverse landscapes, boasting high, glaciated alpine peaks, lush valleys of old-growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country.

Nestled in a subalpine forest, the area surrounding the cabin is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, squirrels and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the northern spotted owl and gray wolf, also find havens in nearby ecosystems.

Mount Stuart, a towering mass of granite located in the nearby Alpine Lakes Wilderness, can be seen from the area. At an elevation of 9,415 feet, it is the second highest non-volcanic peak in Washington. Its steep summit stands out among its neighboring peaks.

Recreation:

In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking in summer and early fall, guests can take advantage of skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months.

Table Mountain, with its high elevation and great distance from cities and light pollution, is revered by West Coast astronomers as a stargazing paradise. Every summer, hundreds of astronomers flock to the area in the early part of August to attend the Table Mountain Star Party.

Hikers may enjoy Naneum Meadows Trail, which is less than three miles from the cabin. This loop links lush meadows, cliff-top views and scores of wildflowers in the summer months. In the winter, trail users should have knowledge of avalanche safety, as well as route finding and ski mountaineering skills.

Facilities:

The two-story A-frame cabin features a large living room and kitchen area downstairs, and a loft upstairs. The cabin is suitable for groups up to ten, but there are only two bunk beds downstairs and two twin beds in the loft, all with mattresses. The cabin is equipped with a Coleman propane cook stove that uses 16.4 ounce propane cylinders and a lantern that uses 4 D batteries. Guests must provide their own fuel and batteries. The stove must be taken outside for use. No stove or open flames are allowed in the cabin.

A wood stove heats the cabin; however, wood is only supplied in the winter and must be split. An axe, splitting maul and wedge are available for guest use. A vault toilet, picnic table and fire pit are located outside the cabin. Shovels are located in the cabin for clearing snow.

There is no water or electricity available at the site. Guests must bring water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Other items to bring include sleeping bags, backup light sources, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Axe Bed(s) With Mattress Birding Broom & Dust Pan Bunkbed(s) With Mattresses Cabin Rentals Campfire Rings Cleaning Supplies Cross Country Skiing Firewood Hiking Horseback Riding Trails	Lantern Mountain Biking Picnic Area Propane Stove Snowmobile Trails Snowshoeing Star Gazing Table & Chairs Trails Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; guests need to call the Cle Elum Ranger Station at (509) 852-1100 from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday for gate combination two business days prior to arrival
No water is available at the cabin; guests must provide their own drinking water
Please contact the Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit
Up to 24 inches of snow in a 24 hour period is not uncommon in this area; be prepared for winter driving conditions by carrying tire chains, extra food, water and clothing
Cell phone service at the cabin is irregular and unreliable
Do not split wood inside the cabin as damage to the floors can be costly
Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears and other wildlife from area
Please do not let pets roam freely, as they may endanger wildlife and plants
Nearest services are over 35 miles from the cabin
Pack out all food and garbage; sweep and clean cabin upon departure
Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
Please use care not to track snow into the cabin
The cabin is a no-smoking facility
Check current fire restrictions before having any campfires
Learn more about Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
47.28167, -120.58556
47°16'54"N, 120°35'8"W

From Highway 97 at Blewett Pass summit, turn south off Highway 97 onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 9716. Follow FSR 9716 approximately 3 miles to the junction of FSR 9712. Turn left onto 9712 and follow it approx 1.5 miles to the junction with FSR 3500. Turn right onto FSR 3500 and follow it approximately 2.2 miles to the cabin. The gate is on the left side of road and the cabin is approximately 200 yards beyond gate.

Passenger vehicles with reasonable clearance should be able to access the cabin from July through October, though high clearance vehicles are recommended. The road has areas which are rutted and rocky.

From December through April, parking is at the Blewett Pass Sno-Park. A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required for each parked vehicle. If arriving Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, parking can be difficult.

The cabin is only accessible by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile from December through April. The route from the Sno-Park to the cabin is 7.5 miles over a groomed snowmobile route, with the exception of the last .25 miles, which is ungroomed. The route has a 2,200 foot elevation gain. Click here for weather and avalanche conditions prior to departure.