Overview

Godman Guard Station was built in 1933-34 as part of an administrative complex and sits just outside the impressive Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This two-story, wood frame structure is surrounded by tall timbers such as Grand fir, Douglas fir, Engelmann spruce, Lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir. The complex is adjacent to the historic Godman Campground built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The cabin is located about 28 miles from Dayton, Washington in the Umatilla National Forest. Weather permitting, the cabin is typically accessible by automobile from June to November. Winter access requires skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles. A groomed snowmobile trail passes by the cabin.

Facilities

The two-story, wood frame structure sleeps up to eight people and features two bedrooms, a living area, and kitchen. An outhouse is available year-round. Furnishings include two bunkbeds, 3 single beds, recliner style chairs, a couch, a kitchen table and chairs. Also provided are a propane cook stove, heat, lights and refrigerator. Outside the cabin there is a firepit and picnic table.

No water is provided. Guests should bring water year-round, plenty for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. A spring is nearby for those who wish to treat and boil water.

Guests will also need to bring food, bedding, dishes, cooking utensils, pots and pans, trash bags and a first aid kit.  

General cleaning is expected before departure. Mop, bucket, broom, and cleaning supplies provided (water is not provided). Cleaning service is not always available between guests, please leave the cabin as you would like to find it. All garbage and food must be packed out.

Natural Features

Godman Guard Station is perched above the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness at an elevation of 5,600 feet. From the barn less than 200 yards up the hill from the cabin, expansive views of the wilderness can be seen. The Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness includes nearly 180,000 acres of rugged basaltic ridges, steep canyons, rushing rivers and their tributaries and abundant wildlife. Rocky Mountain Elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed and mule deer, black bears, cougars, coyotes and pine martens inhabit the region.

Recreation

Visitors to Godman Guard Station have access to many recreation opportunities.

Hiking: Step out of the Godman Guard Station and into the backyard 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 nearest the cabin to the Wilderness is via West Butte Trail #3138. Be prepared for trailhead fees if you visit the areas developed trailheads, you can purchase a pass ahead of your trip or pay on site.  

Fishing: Many trails descend into the rugged river canyons and offer fishing opportunities. Check with the appropriate State Department of Fish and Wildlife for licensing and regulations.

Hunting: Many species are at home in the area including whitetail deer, mule deer, black bear, elk, turkey and grouse.

Horseback: Horseback riding is popular in this area during the summer and fall to access the wilderness. Due to sanitary reasons, horses are not allowed near the Godman Guard Station. There are hitching rails and feed bunks located at the barn less than 200 yards up the hill from the guard station. The barn is not available for use by the public but the hitching rails and feed bunks are available for use. There is a spring with trough located near the barn.

Winter Activities: In the winter, campers enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing in the area. Winter access to the guard station is by snowmobile, snowshoes, or cross country skis from the Touchet Corral Sno-Park near Bluewood Ski Area. The sno-park is a shared-use access point for a groomed snowmobile trail system. The cabin located adjacent to the Godman Guard Station is used by the local snowmobile club. This can create snowmobile traffic as they travel the groomed trail system and stop to use this facility as a warming shelter.

Opportunities for other activities such as enjoying a drive to view the scenery, bird watching, nature viewing, and photography are prolific in this area.

Nearby Attractions

Important Notices

• Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; please call the Pomeroy Ranger District one week prior to your arrival at (509)-843-1891 for combination and to check on weather and road conditions. Office hours are Monday-Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, CLOSED Weekends & Holidays.

• Godman Guard Station is only accessible by wheeled motorized vehicle in the summer months, typically June to early November. From December 1 to March 31, the guard station can only be accessed by snowmobile or other over-snow vehicle, snowshoes, or by cross country skiing via a 13-mile route that may or may not have been recently groomed. Road and snow conditions can change quickly. Please check conditions before you go and plan accordingly.

  Sno-Park and Grooming Information https://parks.wa.gov/find-sno-parks/touchet-corral-sno-park

  Motor Vehicle Use Maps https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/umatilla/maps-guides/motor-vehicle-use-maps

• We will no longer authorize refunds for inaccessibility due to inclement weather conditions.

• Check-in time is 1:00 pm and check-out is 11:00 am.

• No running water available; no indoor restrooms, shower or bath facilities. No potable water at this site; guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

• Please bring your own garbage bags and clean the facility before your departure; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' site. All garbage and food must be packed out.

• This is a non-smoking facility. All Forest Service cabin rentals prohibit smoking.

• Please contact the Pomeroy Ranger District prior to arriving at the guard station to check any restrictions or conditions, such as fire closures, road, weather or storm conditions that may affect the quality of your stay. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

• This is a remote cabin that may be unoccupied for extended periods of time. Mice may be present in the cabin. Please do your part to mitigate rodents by picking up food and cleaning thoroughly. If you have children or a dog, please be aware that this facility may have mouse poison (d-con) placed within its perimeter.

• Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

• One dog is allowed at this facility; no other pets are permitted.

Available Activities

• Winter Sports - Winter Sports
• Hiking - Hiking
• Camping - Camping
• Historic & Cultural Site - Historic & Cultural Site

Directions

<p>From Dayton, take 4th street south for 6 blocks, and turn east on Eckler Mountain Road for about 15 miles. Turn right at the Y intersection. Continue on Forest Road 46 for 12 miles to Godman. The guard station will be on the left. The site is accessible to vehicles from mid to late-June through mid-October to early-November. Call the Pomeroy Ranger District for road and weather conditions at (509)843-1891 Mon-Fri 7:30-4:30 Closed Weekends & Holidays.<br><br><br><br>Winter use requires skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles. From Dayton, Washington, take 4th Street south. Follow road directions to Bluewood Ski Area. Before the entrance to the ski area, park in the available snowmobile parking at Touchet Corral. Travel the groomed snowmobile route, taking all lefts to Godman, approximately 13 miles. Directional signs lie along the route, put up by the local snowmobile club. Although guests 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. Play close atterntion to weather forecasts as winter weather can change quickly.</p>

Cancellation Policy

<p>For Reservation Changes & Cancellation Fees, please see Rules & Reservation Policies.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 509-843-1891 MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30-4:30 CLOSED WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip