Washington / Clallam County / Olympic National Forest

Louella Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Closed Thursdays for cleaning. Maximum stay is seven consecutive nights. Snow chains may be required in winter; the last 1/8 mile of road is not plowed during heavy snow periods.

About

Built in 1912 by Forest Service employee E.M. Cheney and dedicated to his wife Louella, this historic guard station served as a fire lookout post and later as a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Great Depression. Today, Louella Cabin offers guests a unique turn-of-the-century retreat in Olympic National Forest. The four-room cabin accommodates up to six people with a living room featuring a futon, one bedroom with a queen bed, and another with twin bunks. The fully equipped kitchen includes a cook stove, refrigerator, dishes, pots, and cooking utensils. The cabin has electricity and propane heat (propane furnished). An outdoor portable toilet serviced weekly is provided, along with a fire ring and covered picnic table. Guests must bring their own water, as none is available on-site. Situated on a gentle slope flanked by towering Douglas firs, the cabin overlooks a fruit orchard and valley. It sits near Buckhorn Wilderness, offering over 58 miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. The Dungeness River provides excellent fishing for steelhead, cutthroat trout, and salmon. Wildlife including elk, black-tailed deer, black bears, and mountain lions inhabit the surrounding old-growth forest. Access is by vehicle via Palo Alto Road, though snow chains may be required in winter.

Directions

From Sequim, travel east for approximately 3 miles. Just past John Wayne Marina Road, turn right onto Palo Alto Road and travel approximately 8 miles. The access drive to Louella Cabin is by an information kiosk on the right. Turn into the driveway, go past the first building, and Louella Cabin is on the right.

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