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About American River Guard Station
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
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Water Access
- River Access
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001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
Site Details
Reviews (41)
Review Summary
Luis H
VerifiedDecember 16, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
Muy lindo el lugar espectacular 👌 😍
Felicia W
VerifiedDecember 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
The location is very convenient and nicely wooded and the cabin is located by the river. There is no running water, but the river water is good for washing dishes, but not so much for drinking (there are some flotsam) unless it is filtered. Although we think there are mice in the cabin, since we can hear screeching noise behind the wall, we did not find any mice droppings in the cabin during our stays. The source of heat during cold weather months are the wood stove and the electric baseboard wall heater, both are in the living room. No heat in the bedroom and the loft. Warm sleeping bag is a must. There are plenty of wood outside and inside the cabin, but they are not as dry as to give much heat. 2 out of 4 dining table legs in the living room are coming loose from the brace. If you plan to move the the table, move it carefully. A couple of the dining chair slip seats are also detached, but functional as long as you don't move them around. One of the lampshades in the living room is broken. If you can bring and donate a lampshade it will appreciated.
Bill A
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
Our stay, there was excellent, very comfortable, very easy to set up. They sent out reminders and the codes. The staff was very courteous and helpful, this is probably our third stay there it’s been excellent each time will go back again an extra thank you. to all the staff.
Charles J
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
I will start by saying my wife and I fully support the USFS and know they are underfunded and understaffed, but we want to warn you...
The cabin is in a good location and right on the river, but the rest is not so nice and this is what we found. There is an outhouse, which is fine and we were aware of, but there was vomit on the floor and very little toilet paper left, with no extra rolls available.
Inside the cabin we found original floors that appeared t have never been cleaned. it is VERY rustic and not clean. The mattresses are filthy and there is a bucket under the kitchen (hidden behind a curtain) that collects all the drain water and it was putrid. The worst of it was there is obviously an active mouse population inside. We found feces on all the counters and stove. The mice had chewed up the foil under the heating coils to get whatever crumbs they could. The refrigerator was dirty with some old food left inside and just before leaving I had a mouse run in front of me through the bedroom.
We chose not to stay as it was obviously a health hazard. I called the local ranger station to let them know of the mouse problem and was told I would receive a call back, but never did. I also filed a claim to get a refund and only received one day of rent in return, despite it being a three night reservation, with no recourse for an appeal.
If you don't mind what I outlined above you will have a good time, but I am certain there is no one to clean the cabin except for the previous renter. I've left messages at the ranger station on two occasions and have never received a call back. I do not believe they really care and would not count on any of the problems being fixed in the near future.
Robert S
VerifiedAugust 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
Had a great time at this quaint, little rustic cabin. The cabin is exactly what you think a cabin in the wilderness would be like in the early 1900’s. So if your looking for the amenities of a hotel then this isn’t the place for you.
First, the cabin is comfortable but cleanliness is afar. There is electricity and plenty of outlets to charge your phone and others devices.
When we first walked in the cabin, we were swarmed by dozens of flies. Highly recommend to bring an insect trap of some sort. There is a old fridge and stove that look to be from the 1980’s and covered in rust. There is a cute wood fireplace/stove in the living room that we did not use. The floors look to be original and extremely dirty. Definitely wear flips flops or shoes in the cabin would not dare to go barefoot in there.
The beds are disgusting so I highly recommend to bring a mattress cover or air mattress to place on the bed. There are no linens or towels provided so bring your own. Also bring at least a 3-5 gallon jug for cooking and hygiene purposes as there is no running water.
Also the bathroom is not in the home but a lighted outhouse is located a few feet from the home which smelled like a honey bucket at a homeless encampment.
Although my review sounds negative, I was already expecting this as I had read the previous reviews. So nothing came as a surprise. What I love about the cabin was that it was on a pretty good size lot right next to the river. I was able to play catch with the kiddos and have ample space to move around. There is a picnic table and enclose firepit with a metal grate on a hinge. Highly recommend portable outdoor lights as the only lights is from the cable. The firepit and picnic table are is completely dark at night and with the fire an, no campfires which blows.
Also stock up on food. The closest market is toward yakima and is a good 30-40 minute drive. Also no wifi or cell phone service (Verizon) there bring lots of games and entertainment.
Chris J
VerifiedAugust 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
They only change the lockbox code here every few months so dozens of people (likely locals) could have access to the cabin while you're there. When we showed up there wasn't even a key in the lockbox. Beautiful area but cabin is in disrepair. If you don't have the resources to effectively manage and maintain the cabin then you shouldn't rent it.
Jason A
VerifiedAugust 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
It's a rustic cabin situated right on American River. There is a lot to love! The location, nearby hiking and adventure, relative remoteness, starry skies at night... However, there are some deferred maintenance issues that need addressed. The oven does not work; only the broiler element comes on, and even then, not very hot. We made do with the small electric toaster oven. The large burner on the stove does not work and needs replaced/re-wired. Stones and mortar at the kitchen door have failed and it is unsafe. The exterior light on the outhouse never comes on. The light in the outhouse was burned out, but we replaced with a yellow LED bulb we found in the kitchen. User fees are supposed to fund cabin repairs, but I don't see routine maintenance being done year to year (having rented the cabin for a few consecutive years now).
Lauren B
VerifiedAugust 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
This cabin was so fun for our family. We loved the rustic architecture, the location right on the river, and proximity to other outdoor activities.
There are four single beds in the bare bones upstairs room. The main bedroom has a comfy full size bed and the living room has a pretty good queen sized futon. There are no linens provided so bring your own. The kitchen has some well-used basics like pots and pans, cutting boards, dishes and silverware. The lack of water was not an issue for us as we filled a 5 gallon container at home which we used over the sink.
The overall vibe of this place is rustic, authentic and historical. It was a real treat and we will be back.
Katherine P
VerifiedJune 29, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
Had a wonderful time at the cabin, just me and my elderly father! Outhouse is very rustic and no running water was a small challenge but, overall, the cabin is cozy and comfortable. Plenty of cups, utensils, pots/pans, and even had a microwave! The property had lots of firewood too so we cooked over the open flames for most of our meals. Beautiful surroundings and the sound of the rushing river was relaxing- great spot for a fun weekend!
Ankit J
VerifiedApril 2, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA AMERICAN RIVER GUARD STATION
The key was not available in the lock box, No network in the area... Drove down 10 miles to call on the number provided for help... left two voice messages.. Got no response. Waited there for few hrs in the hope that some one would come with the keys and finally left the camp ground with a disappointment on my kids face.
Extream bad experience!!
Location American River Guard Station
Address:
10237 Us Hwy 12
Naches, WA, 98937
United States
Located off State Route (SR) 410 near milepost 88.
For security purposes, access to the cabin is through a locked gate; Doors to the cabin are also locked. The combination to the gate lock will be included in your confirmation letter. This same combination will open a security box by the main cabin door, which contains the cabin key. Please contact the Ranger District at 509-653-1401 prior to your arrival at the cabin for current restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, or weather that may affect the quality of your visit.
From Naches, travel west on US Highway 12 for 4.4 miles. Continue straight onto SR 410 W for 27.5 miles. Turn left onto Bumping River Rd / Forest Road 1800. Cross the bridge over American River, then turn left onto the American Forks Campground Road.
From Enumclaw, depart SR 164/Griffin Ave toward Wells St. After ½ mile turn left onto SR 410/Roosevelt Ave. Follow SR 410 approximately 66 miles east to the intersection with Bumping River Road (FR 1800). Turn right onto the American Forks Campground Road. The cabin and access road will be on the left shortly after turning onto the campground road.
Up to 4 passenger vehicles may be parked at the guard station site. Additional cars and recreational vehicles may be accommodated in the nearby overflow parking off Bumping Road 1800. Major roads accessing the cabin from Naches are plowed in the winter.
Latitude & Longitude: 46.977 / -121.167
Elevation: 850 feet
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Last updated: May 20, 2026