Suiattle Guard Station

Star0
3 reviews
1405 EMENS STREET, DARRINGTON, WA 98241, USA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,227 ft

Price

$3 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Opens Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Suiattle Guard Station
$3.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The reservation fee is $8 for bookings made online or through the app, $9 through the contact center, and $3 for in-person reservations. Recreation...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-338-7869
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

"User reviews highlight the station's historic charm and its unique offerings, though some note that it appears underutilized. The reopened Suiattle River Road has made the station more accessible."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1405 EMENS STREET, DARRINGTON, WA 98241, USA

Suiattle Guard Station

1405 EMENS STREET, DARRINGTON, WA 98241, USA

Driving directionsTravel northeast on Highway 530 about 7 miles from Darrington and turn right (east) onto Forest Service Road 26/Suiattle River Road. This is a gravel road. The cabin is located about 19 miles on Forest Road 26.
The access road has been reopened after nearly a decade of closure due to erosion. The relocated gravel road is now higher up from the river to avoid future erosion issues. Travelers should expect unpaved road conditions but no seasonal closures are mentioned.
Nearby places
Darrington: 26 miles away, approximately 40 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
Darrington provides the nearest supplies such as groceries, sporting goods, and fuel. It is located 26 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Suiattle Guard Station

Winter transforms this wilderness sanctuary into a snow-draped wonderland, where temperatures plunge and heavy snowfall creates a pristine, if challenging, landscape for the truly adventurous. As summer arrives in July and August, the forest awakens with wildflowers and warm sunshine, creating perfect conditions for hiking sun-dappled trails, swimming in crystal-clear river pools, and stargazing beneath unpolluted skies.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

July–August are peak for rafting and outdoor activities; road access has reopened.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall offers hiking and scenery but is not highlighted as peak season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring is variable; snowmelt and high river flows may affect access and activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter brings heavy snowfall and potential road closures; access can be difficult.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July and August are considered ideal for rafting and outdoor activities.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts are currently noted.

About Suiattle Guard Station

Step back in time at Suiattle Guard Station, where a century-old log cabin whispers stories of wilderness rangers past. Hand-built in 1913 by Forest Ranger Tommy Thompson, this rustic retreat nestles deep in the untamed backcountry, offering modern adventurers a rare chance to disconnect from the digital world. Your days here unfold with the rhythm of the wild—cast a line into pristine waters, navigate thrilling whitewater rapids, or explore trails that wind through ancient forests where few footsteps have fallen.
The Suiattle Guard Station is a historic cabin that offers a unique lodging experience with room for additional tent and RV camping on-site.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in instructions must be confirmed with the Ranger District.
Check-out
Guests must vacate the site by check-out time.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Flush toilets
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The Suiattle Guard Station offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Suiattle River, which is protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, also provides opportunities for whitewater rafting during peak months.
Hiking"Several hiking and equestrian trails crisscross the area, which are accessible from Suiattle River Road (Forest Service Road 26)."
FishingAnglers can find fishing spots in the vicinity of the guard station, making it a popular activity for visitors.
BoatingThe Suiattle River is popular among whitewater enthusiasts who enjoy paddling Class 2 and 3 rapids. July and August are noted as the best months for rafting.
Wildlife viewing"Wildlife is abundant, and guests may catch a glimpse of black bears, bobcats, elk, or bald eagles. Wolves are making a comeback to the area, but they are usually heard and not seen."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters with bears and wolves, and the unavailability of potable water.
Active AlertsNo active alerts are currently noted.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Suiattle Guard Station

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Suiattle Guard Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the station's historic charm and its unique offerings, though some note that it appears underutilized. The reopened Suiattle River Road has made the station more accessible.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the station's historical significance and the natural beauty surrounding the site.
Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mention that the station appears underutilized, and there is no indication of recent stays.
Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests are advised to prepare for self-sufficiency by bringing their own drinking water, propane canisters, and other essential items.
Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is identified as the ideal season for whitewater rafting, while reviews suggest that winter may bring challenges such as inaccessible roads.
Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Interesting former forest service guard station. Supposedly still available to rent, though it looks like it has not been used in a while." - Scott M.
Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are no specific reviews about particular campsites or areas within the campground.
Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews focus on pet policies or pet-related experiences.
Based on 3 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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