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Recreation Rental: Peterson Prairie Cabin
After a complete restoration this historic cabin west of Trout Lake is available for rent and can accommodate up to six guests.
History
Peterson Prairie Guard Station was built between August and December, 1926, by District Ranger Harvey A. Welty and Forest Guard Eilert Skaar, with some help from Forest Supervisor Harry White and other staff. The "new" cabin was built to replace a deteriorated log cabin erected by homesteader John Peters in 1890, and abandoned after his first winter at the site. The Forest Service used the old Peters cabin as one of their first ranger stations in the area. Peters built his cabin along the old "McClellan Trail" used by Captain George B. McClellan during his 1853 railroad survey. Traces of the old McClellan trail are still visible near the Peterson Prairie Guard Station.
In his diary for October 1926, Ranger Harvey Welty listed the equipment stored at Peterson Prairie Guard Station at the end of the season: "2 riding saddles, 2 riding bridles, chaps, 6 halters, blankets for saddles, 1 sledge (#8), 1 double-bitted axe, 1 gas lantern, 1 kerosene lantern, 1 lamp stand, 1 gas lantern pump, 1 gas lantern wrench, 1 heating stove, 1 Colonial Jr. stove, 1 6 1/2 ft. falling saw, 2 saw handles, 1 grind stone." It was nearing the end of the era of the horseback rangers.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 06/09/2024: Cabin is accessible by road. Rental fee is now $75 per night. Reservations can be made at www. recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. Contact Mt. Adams Ranger District for information 509-395-3402. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | 1/15/2021: NOTE: Snow has arrived for winter! Plan on needing to park at Atkisson Sno-Park (2.3 miles from the cabin) as Rd. 24 is now snow covered. A WA state Sno-Park permit is required from Dec. 1 - March 31 for parking at Atkisson Sno-Park. The cabin is open for weekend reservations only Fri., Sat., & Sun. nights with a 3 night minimum stay required. Reserve online at recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. For cabin questions, contact Mt. Adams Ranger District (509) 395-3402. |
| Fees: | $100/Night (Limit: 6 people) |
| Open Season: | Year Around |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | Trout Lake, WA |
| Information Center: | Mt. Adams Ranger District. (509) 395-3402 |
General Information
Directions:Take Highway 141 north 24 miles to Trout Lake. At Trout Lake, go 4 miles past the Mt. Adams Ranger Station to the end of Highway 141. Continue west on Forest Road 24 for 2.5 miles. Site is on the left.
General Notes:
- No pets permitted on site
- No smoking allowed on site
- No additional camping is allowed on site
- Sno-Park pass required Dec 1 - Apr 1
Amenities
- Vault toilet
- Water (summer only)
- Propane lights
- Propane heater and cook stove
- Fireplace
Warning
- During the winter months the weather can change abruptly. Visitors should come prepared with extra provisions for an extended stay in case the weather delays their departure. A foot of snow falling overnight is not uncommon. The Forest Service does not plow the road to the site.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Cabin Rentals
The site is located along Forest Road 24 and is easily accessed by snowmobile, snow shoes or skiing. It is a 2 mile trip from the Atkisson Sno-Park during the winter. You can drive to the site as soon as the snow is gone. There is a great place to pick huckleberries next to the site. Hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and mushroom and huckleberry picking activities are abundant during the snow-free months (typically June through October). The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, Indian Heaven Wilderness, and Mt. Adams Wilderness are all within easy driving distance, offering miles of trails and beautiful scenery.