Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta

Lovely cabin! Easy snowshoe and sled hike to the cabin in the winter.

I've been coming here for 7 years or so. There has been a steady decline in cleanliness as well as broken futons and such. There were new futon covers, but the futon pads were still deformed, frames broken. There were lots of food stuffs and things left by the previous renters, which also showed that there was not a staff clean between guests. The TP was not restocked in the outhouse, just 6 or so tubes locked up. We had to find and take some out ourselves. The outhouse smelled foul (never has before). Finally, there were no more garbage bags. That and there is a proposed rate hike? When they didn't even maintain it as was? Other than the above complaints, we managed to have a wonderful stay.

It's a cozy cabin in the woods. There is a propane heater in the living room and in the dining room so you warm up nicely. The futon mattresses are not comfy. The kerosene lamps work great but pretty dim so bring a lantern. We used peppermint spray to deter mice & spiders so we didn't see any in our living space.
The refrigerator is truly an "ice box"! The pit toilet is near parking, not a big deal to get to.
It's charming and not far to Panther Creek Falls.

This cabin needs some TLC. The curtains are torn and don't fully cover the windows. The toilet isn't close to the cabin. It wasn't as clean as it could have been when we arrived. It needs a new indoor paint job. The lighting is propane only. Bring a few lanterns. Aside from this.. the place is warm and cozy if you don't mind a little rustic. It's quiet and private. Very close to some incredible hikes and not far from town.

Beautiful cabin and amazing spot, but the cabin was pretty disgusting. Needs a major cleaning, looks like no one had swept/mopped in months, layers of dust and cobwebs and mice poop EVERYWHERE! Hanging a picture of a mouse that someone saw five times is not an extermination plan. We cleaned the copious poop the first night and the next morning it was back again everywhere, on the stove, in the sink, etc. Caught two mice in the trap on the porch, but still more feces everywhere. It's a shame and the forest service should explore some serious extermination before this place is completely lost to the rodents. We had young kiddos, one who is immune compromised and didn't feel good letting them play pretty much anywhere inside. Outside everything is gorgeous. Please take better care of this beautiful cabin!

I have been coming up to government mineral Springs since I was a baby in diapers. (1955!) My grandparents had a cabin there. I am so grateful that I can go up and stay in the forest service cabin and enjoy the beautiful environment, quiet, see the elk, and entertain happy memories. The cabin was clean and nice. And we left it in the same condition! I donated a journal to the cabin. Thank you!

This cabin is great. It is definitely “primitive”, so come here with that in mind and bring a lot of water. We’ll be back soon, hopefully this winter for a snowy respite. P.S. we saw no signs of mice 😀

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.