Government Mineral Springs Guard Station
Government Mineral Springs Guard Station is a two-story backcountry cabin in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, part of the Government Mineral Springs recreation area. It sleeps up to 9 people and includes a kitchen with a propane stove, dining/living area, fireplace, propane heat and lights, plus cookware and dish/cooking utensils; a vault toilet is on site, and you’ll need to bring your own sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, first-aid kit, toilet paper, and garbage bags.
Use of the cabin is by reservation through Recreation.gov, and there’s no potable water at the cabin. Plan to bring drinking water for cooking and washing; a stream within 300 feet may be used as a water source only if treated or boiled. In winter, the cabin is only accessible via a half-mile trek from the parking area using skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles; from Dec 1–Apr 1, Sno-Park permits are required for each vehicle and vehicles may not be able to reach the Sno-Park if snow blocks access. Pets are not allowed, the facility is non-smoking, camping is prohibited at the guard station, and you’re expected to pack out all food and garbage and leave the cabin clean before departing.