How much does camping cost at Gotchen Guard Station?

Camping fees at Gotchen Guard Station range from $100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Gotchen Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Gotchen Guard Station operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Gotchen Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Gotchen Guard Station has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Gotchen Guard Station?

Gotchen Guard Station is open April 01 to December 01. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Gotchen Guard Station?

Gotchen Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Gotchen Guard Station?

Fire policies at Gotchen Guard Station: Camping is prohibited at the guard station, as are open fires.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Gotchen Guard Station have?

Gotchen Guard Station has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Gotchen Guard Station?

Pets are not allowed at Gotchen Guard Station. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Gotchen Guard Station?

Gotchen Guard Station offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Gotchen Guard Station

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Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

2,136 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

1 campsites

Season

During winter months...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,136 ft

Price

$100/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

1 campsites

Season

During winter months...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Gotchen Guard Station

$100.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin 6 guests: $100.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-395-3400

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Gotchen Guard Station

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Campground Map

Gotchen Guard Station

46.0522, -121.2905

Nearby places

Trout Lake — about 20 minutes when road is not impassable by snow

Driving directionsSUMMER: From Trout Lake head toward Pineside Sno-Park on Mt. Adams Recreation Highway. At Pineside Sno-Park take Forest Road 8225 to the junction with Forest Road 8225060; turn right and the cabin is 150 yards on the left. Automobile access typically becomes impossible after snowfalls (typically November/December through April). WINTER: Ski or snowmobile access from Snow King Sno-park via Lava loop to Pipeline loop, then NW on FS 181 to FS 8225, turn right on FS 8225 to FS 8225060, then right to cabin (total ~3.5 miles). From Pineside Sno-park follow FS 8225 to the junction with 060 and turn right (total ~3.4 miles; this route is uphill and not recommended for skiers).

Weather at Gotchen Guard Station

Current alerts(10)

Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure.
During Summer Months of July and August, the living room propane heater is disabled.
During winter months access to cabin is over snow. Guests will not be able to drive to cabin after snow has fallen. In the event of a heavy snowfall, guests may not be able to access nearby Pineside Sno-Park or could get stranded.
Entry to the cabin is by a key stored in a lock box; the combination to the lock box is given in your confirmation letter

Best Time to Camp at Gotchen Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, crispiest weather and the strongest visual reward — golden aspen groves framed against Mt. Adams and long, smoke-free views make hiking and photography exceptional. Daytime highs in September–early October commonly sit in the mid-40s to mid-60s °F with chilly nights (20s–40s °F), so trails are comfortable for full-day hikes and biking without summer heat or late-summer wildfire smoke. Crowds thin after Labor Day, giving the historic guard station a peaceful, solitary-fe Peak months: September, October, August, July

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Described as best season: golden aspens, clear views and comfortable daytime temps in Sept–Oct.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to December 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: During winter months access to cabin is over snow. Guests will not be able to drive to cabin after snow has fallen. In the event of a heavy snowfall, guests may not be able to access nearby Pineside Sno-Park or could get stranded. The Forest Service does not plow the road to the Sno-Park, and does not plow the road to the Guard Station. Those with existing reervations are advised to check weather conditions close to their reservation date and plan accordingly; refund requests will be honored if

About Gotchen Guard Station

Gotchen Guard Station is a two-room cabin built in 1909, making it the oldest standing structure in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It sits in an aspen grove at 2,136 feet elevation with views of Mt. Adams and surrounding meadows. The cabin sleeps up to four people on double bunk beds and includes propane amenities but no water source.

Historic guard station cabin rental (two-room cabin plus separate bunkhouse) located near Mt. Adams and Mt. Adams Wilderness; remote setting with limited on-site services and seasonal access variability.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest, crispiest weather and the strongest visual reward — golden aspen groves framed against Mt. Adams and long, smoke-free views make hiking and photography exceptional. Daytime highs in September–early October commonly sit in the mid-40s to mid-60s °F with chilly nights (20s–40s °F), so trails are comfortable for full-day hikes and biking without summer heat or late-summer wildfire smoke. Crowds thin after Labor Day, giving the historic guard station a peaceful, solitary-fe Peak months: September, October, August, July

Elevation2136 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMt. Adams dominates the view, its glaciers visible from the cabin. The surrounding Mt. Adams Wilderness blends dry eastern forests with wetter western woodlands, creating a mix of meadows, alpine stands, ancient lava flows, and mountain streams fed by glacial melt. The 2012 Cascade Fire burned through this area, and the landscape now shows both fire-scarred trees and new growth pushing through the recovery zone.

Lodging & AccommodationsCabin sleeps a maximum of 6 people (one double bunk bed in the main room and a second double bunk bed in a separate bunkhouse). Cabin has propane heat, a propane stove, and a propane refrigerator; pots, pans, dishes, and cooking utensils are provided. Guests must bring sleeping bags/linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first aid kit, toilet paper, and garbage bags.

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Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin sleeps a maximum of 6 people in two sleeping areas.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring ample potable water or water treatment supplies; bring sleeping bags/linens, towels, dish soap, toilet paper, garbage bags, first aid kit and matches. Cabin provides two battery-operated lanterns but additional non-flammable light sources (headlamp) are recommended. Note winter access route advisories: Pineside route is uphill and not recommended for skiers.

Amenities available

There is no potable water at the cabin, and guests are strongly encouraged to bring plenty for drinking, cooking, and washing. Snow can be melted during the winter; however, the water must be treated or boiled before drinking. A vault toilet is located about 20 yards from the cabin. Camping is prohibited at the guard station, as are open fires. During Summer Months of July and August, the living room propane heater is disabled.

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities near the guard station include hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, skiing, and snowshoeing, with nearby trails and views of Mt. Adams and surrounding wilderness.

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Tips from campers

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Limited Reviews

Gotchen Guard Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

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Go if

Fall hikers who want a historic base camp for Gotchen Creek Trail #40 or Snipes Mountain Trail #11 will get the best of it: clear Adams views, empty forest roads after Labor Day, and propane heat in a cabin that actually has character.

Skip if

No potable water means hauling every drop yourself, and winter access requires skis, snowshoes, or a snowmobile with real avalanche awareness since the Forest Service plows nothing and refunds aren't guaranteed if you get stranded.

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