Eagle Guard Station

The cabin was perfect! The road to get to it was pretty rough, and driving something with good clearance is fairly important. The outhouse had just been redone and was super clean. We brought all the camping equipment we would need, but the cabin did have an assortment of items available too (skillets, a few roasting sticks, some seasonings, and lots of other random stuff). There was also an a cot in addition to the 6 bunk beds. The top bunks do not have railings, and there are no ladders to get up to them. We did see one black bear about a mile from the cabin, so bring your bear spray for hikes. Overall, it’s a great place to have a fun family weekend!

Quite mouse infested. Nice structure and view, but lots of mouse poop, and they really got into our food!

Great cabin and location. Big stash of high quality firewood; the stove gets the place hot after an hour or so. I rode a fat bike in, which made for enjoyable if challenging riding. For folks coming in during the winter; driving in to around the FS boundary is reliable, as the road isn't steep and is plowed most of the way. Beyond that ruts and ice are often an issue, I wouldn't go up that final switchback to the gate without 4x4 and chains.

Long story short. I planned a 10 night stay at this cabin. From Aug 13th-23rd.
It is 14.2 miles from the road to the cabin. 9 miles in, after driving on perfectly graveled roads, the road gets BAD. We were driving a 2013 gmc acadia FWD hauling a 4x8 trailer.
HUGE pot holes, HUGE LONG crevasses in the road due to rain wash out, large rocks... our car BARELY made it to the cabin. Our check engine light came on, the car was overheating, stalling, chugging... it was bad. We stayed 2 nights and had to leave because we didn't want to be stuck just at the cabin. We planned on seeing yellowstone too but unfortunately our car is still messed up and stalling (8-27-23). We ended up getting a full refund for our stay but that doesn't make up for the memories my kids should have had!
We live in michigan and traveled over 1,700 miles with no problems until the last 5 miles to get to the cabin.
The ranger I spoke with told me visitors try to drive their sedans to the cabin. DONT DO IT!

Now onto the actual cabin review.
It was breathtaking! Knowing we practically got the mountain to ourselves was such an amazing thought. Our kids did enjoy the 2 days we did get to stay there.
You cannot beat the view or the stars at night.
I plan on going back if I have a 4 wheeler or 4wd lifted truck I can drive lol.
Seriously though, the road was the only thing that ruined our stay and had us stressed out.
The government needs to update the description and add that it is not accessible by regular car or FWD.

Such a fun weekend! A great getaway, into the wilderness. Fun snowshoe in, and a cozy time playing games. We will be back!

The good:

Nice 3 room cabin. The far left room is locked and separate from the rest of the cabin for use the the USFS. The center room is the kitchen and dining area. An interior doorway connects you to the far right room which is the bedroom. All 3 rooms have their own outside entry and steps.

Mostly easy drive weather permitting in a car. There are a couple of areas that a car may get stuck. Make sure to bring some bags of lava rock or similar so you can place those closed bags in the gullies to get through.

Road gets rough for cars about 3.4 miles from cabin.

Two burner camping propane stove provided but you need to bring standard camping propane canisters. 2 camping propane lights are also provided.

A wood heater is in the kitchen.

Nice dining table with 4 backed chairs.

Curtains on windows except behind the wood heater.

There are 3 bunk beds so 6 beds are available with thick mattresses.

Nice ADA vault pit toilet.

A few games and puzzles.

Great view.

Like that the top of the door was padded between the bedroom and kitchen in case you hit your head.

Fire pit.

Lots of wood.

Locked gate for privacy.

Horse corral provided with water container.

Nice sink area with counter that drains outside although no water is supplied.

Creek a short distance away but not recommended for drinking.

The bad:
Lots of expired canned food left in pantry.

You may get stuck in a car when driving there via the Townsend Ranger District instructions.

If you do not have good clothing and sleeping bags in winter you will most likely end up bringing the mattresses into the kitchen to sleep on the floor.

Unbelievably beautiful setting, lovely restored log cabin. Superficially clean (floor swept etc) but cupboards desperately need a deep clean … ie, mouse half eaten years old bags of dog food, greasy grimey old cans, etc). I picked up carpet to try and shake out the dirt and was covered literally in years of accumulated dirt. Only light and only stove depend on propane canisters that were almost out.

Love this cabin and it's location! The views from the cabin are breathtaking and the restoration done on this cabin was amazing. Unfortunately, people have not taken care of it - screens were pulled off of the window and trash was left in the fire ring. I wish renters would take care of what a wonderful cabin this is. Thank you to the F/S for keeping this program going.

This is a fantastic quiet winter experience! We did snowshoeing 4 miles into the cabin on a seasonally closed forest service road. Heard some wolves on the second night. Beautiful interior and stove warms it up well.

We had a wonderful time. Cute cabin with lots of cozy touches.