Godman Guard Station

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.

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.

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.

Nearby Attractions

Charges & Cancellations

For Reservation Changes & Cancellation Fees, please see Rules & Reservation Policies.

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 am - 4:30 pm Closed Weekends & Holidays. Winter use requires skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles.

For winter use- 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 attention to weather forecasts as winter weather can change quickly.