About Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Kitchen
- Heating
GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
- 9 guests
Site Details
Reviews (59)
What Guests Are Saying
Govt Mineral Springs Guard Station offers a peaceful and well-kept cabin experience in a beautiful national forest setting. Guests appreciated the cleanliness, ample cooking supplies, and the cozy atmosphere, though some noted the need for minor repairs and updates, particularly regarding the mattresses and futons. Overall, visitors expressed a desire to return, highlighting the cabin's charm and the surrounding natural beauty.
What Guests Are Saying
Govt Mineral Springs Guard Station offers a peaceful and well-kept cabin experience in a beautiful national forest setting. Guests appreciated the cleanliness, ample cooking supplies, and the cozy atmosphere, though some noted the need for minor repairs and updates, particularly regarding the mattresses and futons. Overall, visitors expressed a desire to return, highlighting the cabin's charm and the surrounding natural beauty.
Review Summary
Nancy Elaine B
VerifiedMarch 10, 2022 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
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!
Kaitlin B
VerifiedFebruary 27, 2022 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
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!
Natalie F
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2022 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
Natalie F
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2022 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
Natalie F
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2022 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
Schuyler S
VerifiedJanuary 3, 2022 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
Super great if you love no electricity, no running water, no cell reception, and a 1/2 mi walk-in through 2' of snow. If you don't like those things, steer clear.
Verna B
VerifiedDecember 28, 2021 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
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!
Paul S
VerifiedNovember 30, 2021 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
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.
Jane J
VerifiedNovember 8, 2021 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
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.
Jason W
VerifiedOctober 17, 2021 • Stayed at: GMS, Loop: AREA GOVT MINERAL SPRINGS GUARD STA
Its' always a great stay at GMS.
Location & Directions for Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta
2455 Hwy 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650 United States
Elevation: 379 ft
Getting There
From Portland take Interstate 84 east, take Cascade Locks Exit 44 and cross the Bridge of the Gods (toll bridge) to Highway 14 in Washington State. Turn east (right) on Highway 14 and drive 5 mi to the Carson junction with the Wind River Highway. ...
From Portland take Interstate 84 east, take Cascade Locks Exit 44 and cross the Bridge of the Gods (toll bridge) to Highway 14 in Washington State. Turn east (right) on Highway 14 and drive 5 mi to the Carson junction with the Wind River Highway. Follow the Wind River Highway through Carson and northwest approximately 14 mi to the Carson National Fish Hatchery. Continue northwest for 1 mi on Forest Road 3065 to the entrance for Government Mineral Springs recreation site.
From approximately April 15 to November 1, the cabin is usually accessible by vehicle. During the winter season, the cabin is a half-mile trek by skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles from the parking area.
Sno-Park permits are required from December 1 through April 1 for each vehicle. Washington Sno-Park passes are required for Washington State vehicles.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via Interstate 84, which is approximately 23 miles to the south. From Interstate 84, travelers can take the Cascade Locks Exit 44 to connect to Highway 14.
Policies & Rules
General
- No potable water at this site
- Entry to the cabin is by a key stored in a lock box; the combination to the lock box is given in your confirmation letter
- Please contact the Ranger District at (509) 395-3400 prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit
- In the event of a heavy snowfall, guests may not be able to access the Sno-Park or could get stranded; the Forest Service does not plow the road to the Sno-Park; those with existing reservations are advised to check weather conditions close to their reservation date and plan accordingly; refund requests will be honored if the Sno-Park is inaccessible.
- The Sno-Park parking is not the turnaround at the end of Forest Road 3065; it is on the sides of the road leading up to the turnaround; tickets will be issued to visitors who park in the turn-around
- Pets are not allowed at this facility
- Camping is prohibited at the guard station
- Pack out all food and garbage and clean the facility before you leave
- Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
- The guard station is a non-smoking facility
- Learn more about Gifford-Pinchot National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
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Last updated: October 23, 2026