Tucannon Guard Station
Campground · Washington · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
State Of Washington, Department Of Game Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 1
- Bookable site
- up to 6
- People per site
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.
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.Facilities
The 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 two single beds and the other with a queen bed. The ground floor has spare room with a single bed and a living room furnished with a futon that sleeps two. The downstairs bathroom is equipped with a flush toilet and shower/tub with hot water.
Electricity and propane are included for heating and cooking. The kitchen and dining area boast a cook stove, microwave, and refrigerator, plus a table and chairs. The cabin has potable running water year-round. A picnic table beneath the trees & firepit sit outside.
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. General cleaning is expected before departure. Mop, bucket, broom, and cleaning supplies provided. Cleaning service is not always available between guests, please leave the cabin as you would like to find it.
The Tucannon Guard Station is located near the Lower Tucannon Campground. This area can see heavy use during the holidays.
Natural Features
The cabin is at 2600 ft elevation 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.
Nearby Attractions
A convenience store, gas station and RV park is located about 9 miles, or 15 minutes, north of the cabin. River access and opportunities for hunting and mushroom picking are also within 10 miles of the cabin.Charges & Cancellations
For Changes & Cancellation Fees, please see Rules & Reservation Policies.
The facts
- Season: Year Round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 1 bookable site
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: TUCANNON GUARD STATION
Site types
- 1 Cabin Electric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
1 campsite at Tucannon Guard Station
Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 11:00 AM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tucannon Guard Station | TUCANNON GUARD STATION | Cabin Electric | — | Gravel | Riverfront | — | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
From Pomeroy, take Highway 12 west for about 4 miles. Turn left on Tatman Mt. Road and continue (road changes to Linville Gulch after a couple of miles) for about 6.5 miles (sharp right turn at top of hill) where pavement ends at Blind Grade. Continue on gravel road (Blind Grade) with hairpin turns to stop sign. Turn left onto Tucannon Road and continue for about 8.5 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.
46.25036, -117.67832 · 46°15'1.3"N 117°40'41.9"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 4.8 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 3.3 | 2.9 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 2.8 | 4.6 | 5.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Tucannon Guard Station
- Can you reserve a site at Tucannon Guard Station?
- Yes, Tucannon Guard Station is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Tucannon Guard Station have?
- 1 site.
- Are pets allowed at Tucannon Guard Station?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Tucannon Guard Station.
- Are campfires allowed at Tucannon Guard Station?
- Campfires are allowed at Tucannon Guard Station. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Tucannon Guard Station also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Tucannon Guard Station's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- It is $100 per night per group, with a maximum of 6 occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the Guard Station.
Restrictions:
- Renters will need to bring sleeping bags and/or bedding and are encouraged to bring their personal cooking and eating utensils for their stay.
- No garbage service available. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
- Pets are welcome; visitors are required to clean up after them.
- No smoking.
Camping near Tucannon Guard Station
- Clearwater Lookout Cabin 5.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Clearwater Big House 6.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Tucannon Campground 0.7 mi · Campground
- Panjab Campground 3.5 mi · Campground
- Ladybug Campground 3.7 mi · Campground
- Alder Thicket Campground 5.3 mi · Campground
- Forest Boundary Campground 6.4 mi · Campground
- Teal Spring Campground 6.6 mi · Campground
- Big Springs Campground 6.6 mi · Campground
- Midway Campground 7.1 mi · Campground
- Pataha Campground 8.3 mi · Campground
- Diamond Trailhead 11.3 mi · Facility
Contact
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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