Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Star4.03
60 reviews
2455 HWY 141, TROUT LAKE, WA 98650

Quick Facts

1,237 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Trout Lake Ranger District site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$100 per night for cabin rental during peak season.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$100.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
509-395-3400
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What Campers Say

4.03

Satisfactory

Based on 60 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulhiking

"User reviews highlight the cabin's historic charm but also raise significant concerns about cleanliness, mice infestations, and maintenance issues. While some users had enjoyable stays, others reported leaving early due to these problems."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2455 HWY 141, TROUT LAKE, WA 98650

Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

2455 HWY 141, TROUT LAKE, WA 98650

Driving directionsFrom Portland take Interstate 84 east, take Cascade Locks Exit 44 and cross the Bridge of the Gods (toll bridge) to Highway 14 in Washington State. Turn east (right) on Highway 14 and drive 5 miles to the Carson junction with the Wind River Highway. Follow the Wind River Highway through Carson and northwest approximately 14 miles to the Carson National Fish Hatchery. Continue northwest for 1 mile on Forest Road 3065 to the entrance for Government Mineral Springs recreation site.
Accessible from April 15 to November 1 by vehicle. Winter access requires a half-mile trek by skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles from the parking area due to snow-covered roads. Sno-Park permits required from December 1 through April 1.
Nearby places
Carson (15 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Cascade Locks (20 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Portland (approximately 60 miles, 1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries and camping essentials available in Carson, approximately 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Each season transforms this mountain sanctuary into a different wonderland. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a peaceful realm accessible only by snowshoe or snowmobile—perfect for those seeking true solitude. As spring awakens the forest, wildflowers emerge and trails become accessible once more. Summer brings warm, golden days ideal for exploring cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear streams, while autumn paints the huckleberry fields in brilliant reds and oranges.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer access, trails, and berry-picking highlighted in reviews and description.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Seasonal changes and quieter trails likely pleasant; fewer specific fall details provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Access resumes mid-April; waterfalls and wet-season scenery make spring appealing.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 5% in WA

Open year-round; snowshoe/ski access and cozy cabin praised though vehicle access is closed in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; accessible by vehicle from April 15 to November 1, and only by trekking in winter due to snow.
  • Current Alerts: Fridge is currently broken. Reports of rodent activity and cleanliness issues. Winter access challenges due to snow conditions.

About Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Step back in time at the Government Mineral Springs Guard Station, where a historic cabin awaits beneath towering old-growth conifers that have stood sentinel for centuries. This hidden gem in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers an authentic wilderness retreat, with the pristine Trapper Creek Wilderness as your backyard. Here, the modern world fades away as you immerse yourself in the tranquil rhythms of the ancient forest.
This campground features a historic guard station cabin for lodging, offering a unique primitive camping experience. Tent or RV camping accommodations are not specified.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • Any time after arrival
  • no specific hour stated.
Check-out
  • By departure date
  • no specific hour stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum 7 consecutive nights allowed per visit.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests can engage in varied activities including hiking, fishing, biking, hunting, skiing, snowshoeing, and mushroom and huckleberry picking. The cabin's location near Trapper Creek Wilderness adds unique natural experiences.
HikingTrails like Falls Creek Falls (3.5 miles round-trip) offer family-friendly hiking with views of waterfalls and rock formations. Trapper Creek Wilderness has diverse trails for varying skill levels.
FishingSpring chinook fishing is available on the Wind River, and lake fishing for brown and brook trout can be done at Soda Peaks Lake.
BikingThe area around the cabin is suitable for casual biking, with user reviews noting its kid-friendly biking conditions.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly seen includes black tail deer, Roosevelt elk, black bear, and occasionally cougars, bobcats, and pine martens. Bird species such as spotted owls and goshawks are present.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWinter hazards include icy pathways and snow-covered roads. Wildlife such as bears and cougars may be present. Propane smell inside cabin may bother sensitive individuals.
Active AlertsFridge is currently broken. Reports of rodent activity and cleanliness issues. Winter access challenges due to snow conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Reviews

4.0
60 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's historic charm but also raise significant concerns about cleanliness, mice infestations, and maintenance issues. While some users had enjoyable stays, others reported leaving early due to these problems.
Review Summaries
Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praise the cabin's peaceful setting, nearby hiking trails, and unique historic features, such as the propane fireplace and rustic ambiance.
Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include mice infestations, cleanliness issues, broken futon frames, inadequate lighting, and the broken refrigerator. Mice droppings were reported on tables, counters, and floors.
Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing water, matches, garbage bags, lanterns, cleaning supplies, and sturdy shoes for icy conditions in winter. Reviews also highlight the importance of checking weather...
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Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews emphasize the challenging half-mile trek and the cabin's cozy warmth despite its dim lighting. Summer reviews highlight the proximity to wilderness trails and berry-picking...
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Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. “The futons downstairs were so thick with dust that we couldn't breathe while trying to sleep.” 2. “Such a cozy, accommodating cabin. Enjoyed my stay thoroughly!” 3. “Bring water! Big sunny...
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Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite details are not provided in the authoritative sources or reviews.
Based on 60 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews mention icy conditions requiring snow ramps or reinforced stairs. Winter access is challenging and requires snowshoes or skis.
Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are prohibited at this facility.
Based on 60 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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