Forty acres of cross-fenced pastures dotted with pines and surrounded by towering lodgepole pine on gently rolling hills, make Lodgepole Guard Station the perfect destination for horse lovers and large groups. The large grassy meadow has a long history of being a major grazing area for horses and cattle, and that tradition continues today. The meadow offers plenty of room on the even terrain for a large group of visitors to spread out, camp, horseback ride, hike, mountain bike or just relax.
Sitting amongst 40 acres of cross-fenced pastures, Lodgepole Guard Station can easily serve as the base camp for a group of campers and their horses, as well as other large recreation groups. However, while bringing horses and many friends is an option, it's certainly not a requirement; the appeals of the cabin and area are plentiful for couples and small families.
The cozy one story, one bedroom cabin offers a large living room with a wood stove and furnished with a log-style couch, chair and coffee table, a bath with flush toilet and hot shower, and propane heat throughout. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, basic cooking utensils, and a cozy dining nook is furnished with a table and chairs. Also on the site are a former bunkhouse, where firewood is stored, and a barn stable with several horse paddocks.
History
The guard station at Lodgepole Meadow was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps to be used as a remote guard station for the early Forest Service crews working in the area, and replaced the original guard station that had been built in 1911. During WWII, Herb (in photo at right) and Zella Wright, a husband and wife lookout team, lived throughout the winter high up on the Blue Rock Lookout several miles away watching for enemy aircraft. Lodgepole Guard Station acted as their base camp and Forest Service guards cross county skied or snow shoed through deep snow to bring supplies and food every couple of weeks or so, while the couple continued their warning watch. This small, three room, rustic-style cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered to be an outstanding example of Civilian Conservation Corp construction in the Pacific Northwest.
