Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

This cabin is a wonderful historic experience. The original guard station. Preserved for future generations. It is "kept up", as a historic cabin, by the many return visitors. And by the Forest Service.
Be sure to bring matches!!! (There are none there, and most everything is powered by propane)
For me, the inside of the cabin smelled strongly of propane (all of the lamps, the stove and over, and the fireplace are powered by propane). I am very sensitive to smells and the smell of propane overpowered me.
Also, it is definitely out of cell phone range, for some miles.
If you do stay there, the key box is on the front door, not the back door (which is the one easiest to access from the parking).
Some, but not all of the windows open. When I tried to open the windows, some had screens. Others did not. Some of the windows I opened had mold in the casements. I'm also pretty allergic to molds.
For a less smell sensitive, person, with fewer allergies, this would be a great rustic, historic experience.
There could also be a mouse there. I'm not sure. There is a box on the kitchen table that is "mouse proof" for food.
This is a Gifford Pinchot National Forest historic treasure.
There was a hiking trail, called the Dry Creek trail, a short drive from the cabin. Early June, and a hike, alone in the Trapper Creek wilderness, surrounded by wildflowers, was a peak experience for me.
There is also another trail not too far away, called Fall Creek Falls. Too steep for me. Very popular.
I read the visitor's notebook. Evidently, in the winter, depending on the weather, many people had to carry their food and provisions over snow. An adventure!
Thank you to the National Forest Service for letting me write this review.

Had a really enjoyable time at the cabin. We arrived in late March, still snow blocking the road, so hiked about 2/3 a mile with our gear/food to the cabin. It was well stocked with all kitchen supplies, working fridge, and stove. The fireplace kept the place warm even with snow still on the ground. The outhouse was fine, stocked with toilet paper, easy to get to. Multiple trails close-by. I would definitely come here again, especially in the summer where I can drive right up and unload!

Comfortable cabin, especially the futons (I know, but these are good ones). Loved the mossy forest and nearby river.

If you get there in winter it will take 36 hours for the thermal mass to heat if you have both heaters on. But it is an extremely cozy humble beautiful place. It was just what was needed as respite from the world today! Gorgeous steam nearby, beautiful hiking/snowshoeing nearby. Would be great for families!

Such a cute spot! I loved it. Unfortunately, the heat from the fireplace didn't really travel into the upstairs very well, so if you're staying in one of those rooms I would keep that in mind. The fireplace is not centrally located, so it only really heats the one room. However, there are futons that could sleep up to 4, so if you keep your group small it would be fine. The area is nice, but we couldn't find the trail I had looked up- make sure to do your research! The cabin log was really fun to look at if you have time- and it's plenty stocked with puzzles!
There was plenty of parking on the road, and most folks out there were really nice. Such a cute spot, would love to go again!

Super great if you love no electricity, no running water, no cell reception, and a 1/2 mile walk-in through 2' of snow. If you don't like those things, steer clear.

We really enjoyed the cabin and the setting -- partly because it was snowy and beautiful.

There are a couple outdated things in the description. There is no longer a wood burning fireplace. It is a "fake" fire, but does a nice job of heating the place. There doesn't appear to be a sno-park anymore, rather a campground that is used in the summer.

Thank you!

I enjoyed reading the interview of the first Guard who was stationed here. Falls Creek Falls was a beautiful hike. The fireplace is propane which initially disappointed me because I was excited about a wood fire but the convenience and heat performance of the propane fire was very enjoyable. The propane lighting inside the cabin provides a very nice ambiance. We really liked our stay.

Water - bring plenty of your own. There is a campground nearby, but their water source was out-of=service
due to high iron content. Key box is at the door that faces the street--not at the door closest to the driveway.
Once you have the key, it has to be used at the door closest to the driveway. There are cup hooks or nails over the stove, over the dining room table and in the living room----If you hang an LED lantern from these it will provide adequate light for the room. Kitchen is very well stocked.