Tucannon Guard Station

Spend the day at the charming saltbox-style Tucannon cabin situated on a shady, gently rolling site at the base of a hillside. Pull up a chair on the covered front porch, and enjoy the peace and quiet, while keeping binoculars and a camera handy. A picnic table beneath the trees near the cabin allows for comfortable outdoor dining in the summertime. Other opportunities include fishing at the Tucannon River or hiking one of many trails through the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. 

The historic Tucannon Guard Station is a two-story wood frame structure with wood siding and a shake shingle roof. The upstairs is divided into two sleeping areas, one furnished with bunk beds and the other with a double bed. The ground floor has one bedroom (that is used as a display/information room and not furnished as a bedroom), and a living room furnished with a futon that sleeps two, a chair and end tables. The kitchen/dining area is well equipped with a cook stove and refrigerator, table and chairs. The downstairs bathroom has a flush toilet and hot/cold shower facilities.

The guard station has electricity for cooking and propane for heating.  The cabin has running water all year and is potable. Most cleaning supplies, dishes, pots/pans, and utensils are provided, although visitors are encouraged to bring their own gear to supplement. Please bring your own bedding/sleeping bags.

• Do call the Pomeroy Ranger District three business days before your arrival date to receive a combination for cabin access. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM and our phone number is (509) 843-1891.
• Availability: Tucannon Guard Station is available for rent year around. 

History

In the spring of 1908, Deputy Supervisor Frank Marks surveyed the tract for Tucannon Guard Station and cut and hauled logs to the O. Dell's Mill to cut the lumber for the new house. Harry Johnson built the residence in 1909, and Harry's brother-in-law, William Kendell, was hired on as a guard. That October he passed the Ranger's exam and became the ranger for the Tucannon area. Ranger Marks moved into the Guard Station with his family of seven children the following March. The mailbox was located eight miles down the road and at that time, all travel was by horseback and foot.

In 1916, the Tucannon Guard Station became headquarters for the District after new District boundaries were formed. Then in 1918, the headquarters moved to Pomeroy, and Tucannon remained a work center for many years.