Experience the life of a Forest Service Fire Guard before the days of numerous roads leading to forest interiors and aerial fire detection.
This compact, red-planked, cedar-roofed two-room cabin is tucked beneath a dense forest canopy that lets though the occasional brilliant shaft of sunlight. The kitchen is furnished with a table and chairs, and the bedroom features a double bed and two single beds (all with foam pads). Amenities include a heater, lanterns, cooking stove with an oven and a refrigerator, all powered by propane (which is provided). A vault toilet is located nearby.
There is a metal outdoor fire ring and barbeque for cooking and campfires, as well as a picnic table. There is no water at the site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking, and washing. Potable water is available at a spigot in front of the Tiller Ranger Station office. Although the site doesn’t have a corral, visitors may bring horses and stock (plan to highline tie them or electric fence them in).
- Availability: Whisky Camp Guard Station is available for rent year round.
- Price & Capacity: $40 per night per group, with a maximum of eight occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the guard station.
- Reservations: Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. The maximum-length stay is seven consecutive nights. Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov.
History
Whisky Camp, built in the 1940s, was the summer home of a fireguard whose primary duties were smoke chaser, firefighter, relief lookout, phone line and trail maintenance, fire patrol and prevention.
