American River Guard Station is located about 40 mi west of Naches, Washington on the banks of the American River in the eastern Cascade Mountains. The rustic cabin and outhouse were built by the men of the 932nd Camp Naches Civilian Conservation Corps crew in 1941 as a summer residence and work site for fire patrol and recreation management personnel. In the 1970s, volunteers and permit holders sporadically used the cabin, until it was found eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Today, the cabin offers visitors a wonderful setting for year-round recreation and relaxation.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
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Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Lots of mice droppings though out the cabin.
The door lock should be changed out for a deadbolt, to easy to lock your self out. Not fun having to spend time cleaning a cabin and the refrigerator had mold in it.
Had a great time over Easter weekend. We somehow missed the fact that there was a refrigerator and microwave. For what you pay, you really do get a nice little slice of cabin character that feels like a collective home.
We love staying here! This was our second visit, and it was even cleaner and more accommodating than our previous stay. Someone has obviously been giving this cabin a little extra love -- and thank you to all the previous tenants who have also contributed to this. We had a wonderful visit with a touch of snow, stayed nice and warm, and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Thank you!
The fairy/Christmas lights that were already set up were a great and romantic touch. We had a wonderful valentine's weekend at the cabin and greatly enjoyed the peace and quiet. The only downside was that the cooking stove didn't work at all (but I brought my Coleman as backup), and previous occupants did a poor job of cleaning up after their dog so the surrounding area was basically a dog-poop-land-mine-field.
This cabin was an awesome cabin. The Electricity made all the difference in the world. No mice. Very warm, especially when it starts snowing outside and it's 20 degrees out! It was a great hunting cabin Highly recommend this place!!
It’s a rustic cabin with no running water, but we do so love it! Our dogs loved the river access and exploring the smells and sights around the cabin and up to the old Ski Bowl.
Kudos for the new kitchen flooring and improved outdoor table and benches. The back porch seems to be a work in progress and is boarded up. There isn’t a cleaning service between stays, so please clean and tidy up before you leave. We wiped down the kitchen cabinets and walls and window sills in the kitchen and dining area. We so wish there was a mop there–we would gladly have mopped the floors too.
We had a wonderful time at this rustic cabin that kept us quite warm as the snow fell outside! It was tidy when we arrived -- thank you to those who stayed before us, and to the cabin's caretaker! We loved watching and listening to the river while our pups explored the surroundings, and tucked in for a quiet, restful, relaxing weekend. Nearby, we enjoyed driving+hiking up to a quiet, snow rimmed Bumping Lake and letting our dogs run in the snow. We hardly saw a soul the whole weekend. It was incredibly relaxing and we are so grateful for such a unique experience -- THANK YOU to our amazing forest service workers who look after these landscapes and these affordable ways to enjoy them.
A few notes that may help others: It may be a winter issue, but electricity was inconsistent, with just the one outlet working and the stove/fridge not getting enough power to stay on for cooking or food storage. Fortunately, other reviewers had tipped us off, and we brought our propane stove, which was very easy to use with the picnic table outside, and just kept food in a cooler. We brought an axe, which was helpful for splitting the large logs in the *very* generously stocked woodpile. This helped us get a nice warm fire going and heating up the cabin quickly. The outhouse was absolutely fine, thanks to the slow, low-use season in which we visited. No rodent visitors (nor evidence of them) during our stay :).
Helpful
Location & Directions for American River Guard Station
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 c...
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 mi. Continue straight onto SR 410 W for 27.5 mi. 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 mi 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.