Patterson Guard Station

Patterson Guard Station, Alturas, California, United States
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A sunny day illuminates Patterson Guard Station. The bright red color of the Guard Station contrasts the green conifer trees behind it.
bright red wooden rails frame the front porch of the guard station where a wooden chair offers a view of the adjacent meadow on a sunny day.
A new wood stove installed near the front door.
Bunk beds and chairs in the main living room seen from the kitchen. The scene is dimly lit as sunlight enters the room through 3 large windows.
A sunny day illuminates Patterson Guard Station. The bright red color of the Guard Station contrasts the green conifer trees behind it.

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

About Patterson Guard Station

*Altitude is 7.1 ft above sea level*  Set on the edge of a meadow surrounded by Aspen, Fir and Pine trees, Patterson Guard Station has stood since 1921. It served the Modoc National Forest as a fully staffed fire office and guard station until 1981.   Just a few footsteps from the Summit Trail and one-quarter mile from the wilderness boundary, Patterson Guard Station can be your basecamp for trips into the South Warner Wilderness or the perfect place to disconnect and relax. The cabin only has one set of bunkbeds (two mattresses). There is a large turn-around parking area directly adjacent to the cabin which can accommodate camper trailers, smaller RVs and gooseneck horse trailers. No hook-ups. If your party exceeds 8 persons, the adjacent Patterson Campground offers 6 developed campsites for $15/night.  Click here to view the full reservation calander and additional details not included on this page.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

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Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
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Patterson Guard Station, Loop: Patterson Guard Station

Patterson Guard Station, Loop: Patterson Guard Station

🏠 Cabin
  • 8 guests
  • Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Shade
Campfire
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews

13 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Patterson Guard Station offers a beautiful and secluded location, providing comfortable accommodations with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests appreciated the well-stocked cabin and the provided journal for entertainment, although there were some minor drawbacks, such as a locked gate and limited kitchen utensils. Some found the outhouse inconvenient and noted cleanliness issues with the floors, but overall, the experience was enjoyable.

Based on guest feedback

4.1

Overall rating

Based on 13 reviews

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5 stars 38.5% (5)
4 stars 30.8% (4)
3 stars 30.8% (4)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 13 reviews

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Henry K

Verified

July 15, 2024 Stayed at: Patterson Guard Station, Loop: Patterson Guard Station

Good paddle boarding at nearby Blue Lake. Nice 9-mile gravel road loop with 1k elevation south of cabin. And of course, the Summit Trail in the South Warner Wilderness. Cabin is very nicely fixed up. Our second trip here. This is the nicest of the various rec.gov cabins we've stayed in.

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Sheila H

Verified

October 7, 2023 Stayed at: Patterson Guard Station, Loop: Patterson Guard Station

The Cabin was immaculate, well stocked and cozy. The view intense, inviting and serine. Though the water was shut off and we had to use the outhouse, you couldn't escape the beauty of the mountains. The trails were totally enjoyable and the ambience of the rain during the night enhanced the beauty and warmth of the fire from the woodstove. Totally in love with Patterson Guard Station :0} 9/2023

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Sheila H

Verified

October 7, 2023 Stayed at: Patterson Guard Station, Loop: Patterson Guard Station

The Cabin was immaculate, well stocked and cozy. The view intense, inviting and serine. Though the water was shut off and we had to use the outhouse, you couldn't escape the beauty of the mountains. The trails were totally enjoyable and the ambience of the rain during the night enhanced the beauty and warmth of the fire from the woodstove. Totally in love with Patterson Guard Station :0} 9/2023

Helpful

Location & Directions for Patterson Guard Station

Patterson Guard Station, Alturas, CA 96101 United States

Elevation: 2,161 ft

Getting There

From Alturas, California, travel South on U.S. Highway 395 for 18 mi to the town of Likely and Turn left (East) onto County Rd 64. Continue for 9 mi toward Jess Valley and stay right at the fork toward Blue Lake (Blue Lake Road), this road is not ...

Nearest town

Alturas, CA - 42 mi

About over 1 hr (64 min) to downtown

Highway access

Patterson Guard Station is accessible via U.S. Highway 395, located approximately 18 miles from Alturas, California.

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

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Last updated: October 23, 2026

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Population: 2,681

Elevation: 4,370 ft

Best Season: Summer

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