Suiattle Guard Station
Closed — Closed for the 2026 season due to extensive flood damage to Suiattle River Road that has made the facility inaccessible.
From Recreation.gov
**Due to extensive flood damage to the Suiattle River Road, this facility is currently inaccessible and will be closed for the 2026 season. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. **
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Mountain Loop Highway Closed Due to Landslide
A landslide is blocking the Mountain Loop Highway at milepost 37.5, about 15.5 miles south of Darrington. There is no access to Forest Service Road 49 and N. Fork Sauk and Sloan Creek trails.
Hazardous Conditions likely across Forest
Update December 15th, 2025Hazard Alert: National Forest Roads &Trails
Mountain Loop Highway and Mt. Pilchuck Rd Closed for Winter!
A 14-mile section of the Mountain Loop Highway is closed to vehicles due to snow and road conditions between the Deer Creek and Bedal gates.
Franklin Falls Sno-Park Closed this Winter
The Franklin Falls Sno-Park will not operate this winter, and the Denny Creek Road (Forest Service Road 58) will be closed to motorized traffic. The Denny Creek Road and parking lot at Franklin Falls will not be plowed.
Mountain Loop Highway closed for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground
The Mountain Loop Highway on Darrington Ranger District is now closed to motor vehicles for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground. Timing of re-opening in the spring depends on weather but typically occurs in mid-May.
Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) Work
Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) work has been completed. The road is open and passable to the Canyon Creek Bridge at milepost 8.5.
Fairfax Bridge Permanently Closed
The Fairfax Bridge on State Highway 165 (milepost 11.5) across the Carbon River has been permanently closed by Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) due to safety concerns.
FSR 23 and FSR 27 Closure Order
This alert is to announce the closures of Forest System Road #23 (White Chuck Road) from milepost 3.7 to its terminus with Forest System Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) and Forest System Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) from milepost 4 to its terminus with Forest System Road #23 (White Chuck Road).&nb
Middle Fork Camping Closure
A dispersed camping closure along part of Forest Road 56 and Forest Road 5640 went into effect June 1st. Attached is the closure order and map. The decision to close dispersed camping stems from the 2017 Wild and Scenic River designation of the Middle Fork River.
Camping Restrictions
Camping for a total of 28 days, per calendar year, on National Forest System lands outside of a developed campground is prohibited. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]
Alcohol Prohibitions
Possessing a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, by anyperson under 21 years of age is prohibited. 36 CFR § 261.58(bb)Providing or selling a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, to
Entire Forest Under Food Storage Order
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has a food storage order in effect across the entire Forest. This order requires visitors to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF) to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants.
About
The Suiattle Guard Station is a remarkably preserved piece of Forest Service history, constructed in 1913 by Assistant Ranger Tommy Thompson using hand-split shakes and half-dovetail notching. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, it stands as one of the oldest administrative buildings in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The cabin sits on a gently sloping lawn at the forest's edge, surrounded by designated wilderness areas, rugged peaks, and old-growth hemlock and fir. The primitive rental sleeps up to 4 people with one full bed and one trundle bed, plus space for up to 4 tents and 2 RVs outside. Amenities include a wood stove for heat, propane cooktop on the enclosed porch, cookware, dishes, battery-powered lantern, and a vault toilet. Non-potable water is piped from a hillside spring for washing only. Guests must bring all drinking water, food, bedding, and pack out all trash. The surrounding area offers exceptional hiking and equestrian trails accessible from Forest Service Road 26, fishing in nearby streams, and whitewater rafting on the Wild and Scenic Suiattle River. The milky, glacier-fed river features Class 2-3 rapids with peak rafting conditions in July and August. Wildlife viewing opportunities include black bears, elk, bobcats, bald eagles, and coyotes.
Directions
From Darrington, travel north on WA-530 for 7.5 miles. Cross the Sauk River Bridge, then turn right onto Suiattle River Road (FS-26). Continue 15 miles east (10 miles paved, 5 miles gravel) to Buck Creek Campground to retrieve keys from the lockbox at the kiosk. Drive 1 mile further east to the guard station driveway on the left. Follow the driveway through the locked gate 200 yards to the cabin.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $125 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 338-7869 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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