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TUCANNON GUARD STATION, WA

Status: Open through Mon Jun 10 2013   Season Dates
1 site(s) found
ALL (1)
CABIN ELECTRIC (1)

Overview

The historic Tucannon Guard Station is a charming saltbox-style cabin constructed in 1909. It was inhabited by the first ranger in the Tucannon area, William Kendell, and his family. By 1916, the guard house became headquarters for the district for two years, and then continued on as a standard guard station.

Staying here is like stepping back in time. The rooms inside are nicely decorated and cozy. Touches like curtains on the windows and modern furniture add to the destination experience. Beyond the cabin is plenty of photogenic scenery, plus options for prime fishing and hiking.

Natural Features:

The cabin is perched on a shady, gently rolling site at the base of a hillside in Tucannon Valley. The rugged landscape stretches across the northern Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon.

Visitors may spot local inhabitants like wild turkey, pheasant, deer, elk and even an occasional moose in the area.

Recreation:

Just a few miles south are trailheads to wilderness hiking trails. Plus the road along the Tucannon River is a notable scenic drive, ideal for viewing flora and fauna.

Historic Target Meadows is also nearby, where military cavalry in the 1800s held shooting practice.

Facilities:

Tucannon is a two-story wood frame structure with wood siding and a shake shingle roof. The upstairs is divided into two sleeping areas, one furnished with bunkbeds and the other with a double bed. The ground floor has one bedroom and a living room furnished with a futon that sleeps two. The downstairs bathroom is equipped with a flush toilet and shower with hot water.

Electricity and propane are included for heating and cooking. The kitchen and dining area boast a cook stove and refrigerator, plus a table and chairs. While the cabin has running water year-round, it is not potable. A picnic table sits outside beneath the trees.

Guests must bring plenty of water for drinking and cooking. Most cleaning supplies, dishes, pots, pans and utensils are provided, but visitors are encouraged to bring their own. Guests should also bring bedding or sleeping bags, and basic camping gear like flashlights, dish soap and matches. Click here for more cabin details.

Nearby Attractions:

A convenience store, gas station and RV park is located about 9 miles, or 15 minutes, north of the cabin.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Bed(s)
  • Dining Area
  • Fishing
  • Flush Toilets
  • Hot Water
  • Kitchen
  • Lights
  • Non-Potable Water
  • Pets Allowed
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Propane Heat
  • Refrigerator
  • Showers
  • Stove
Within 10 Miles
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Mushroom Picking
  • River Access
Greater Than 10 Miles
  • Downhill Skiing
  • Emergency Services
  • Grocery Store
  • Hospital
  • Snowmobile Trails
Know Before You Go
  • Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; please call the Pomeroy Ranger District one week prior to arrival at (509) 843-1891 for lock and to check on weather and road conditions
  • This facility may have mice poison (Decon) around the perimeter; beware of exposure to children and pets
  • No drinking water available; bring your own supply
  • Please bring garbage bags; this is a "pack in-pack out" facility
  • No off-road vehicles around cabin; they may only be used on designated trails
  • Dogs are allowed; owners must clean up after them
  • For current news and events of Pacific Northwest Region National Forests, click here


Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of invasive insects and disease; Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
46.25, -117.61667
46°15'0"N, 117°37'0"W

From Pomeroy, take Highway 12 west for about 4 miles. Turn left on Tatman Mt. Road and continue for about 6.5 miles (sharp right turn at top of hill) where pavement ends. Continue on gravel road (with hairpin turns) to stop sign. Turn left onto Tucannon Road and continue for about 10 miles. Guard station is on the right.

From Dayton, take Highway 12 east about 11.5 miles, and turn right on Tucannon Road. Continue about 24 miles. The guard station is on the right. This route is best for large RVs and is the best route in winter, especially for those with two-wheel drive vehicles. Please contact the Columbia County Road Department in Dayton for winter road condition reports.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

TUCANNON GUARD STATION
71 West Main St
Pomeroy WA 99347

Phone Number:

Information: (509)843-1891

Special Events:

    The events listed here are not intended to be an all inclusive list. Please contact the park for further details.

  • This event occurs the 2nd or 3rd weekend of March each year. (the above dates are not accurate, however we have to enter an actual date in the system.) The event is conducted at the Tucannon Campground and surrounding area, located a mile south of the cabin. Archery shooters come from all over for a weekend of fun and target practice, contest included. However, a few of the archery campers will be taking up space close to the cabin as the campground fills up rapidly. Targets are set up in the local area, so hikers are warned to use caution and stay their distance from the area for safety reasons. from Mar 10 2010 to Mar 14 2010