Patterson Guard Station

About

Patterson Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin built in 1921 that served as a fully staffed fire office and guard station until 1981. Restored in 2022 with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this rustic cabin sits at 7,080 feet elevation on the edge of a meadow surrounded by Aspen, Fir, and Pine trees in the Warner Mountains of Modoc National Forest. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people but has sleeping arrangements for 4: one bunk bed with two mattresses and two chairs that convert to single beds. Inside you'll find a wood-burning stove with firewood provided, a propane-fueled refrigerator and oven/range, pots and pans, and a dining table. An outhouse is located approximately 100 feet from the cabin. There is no potable water, electricity, or hookups. Just footsteps from the Summit Trail and a quarter mile from the South Warner Wilderness boundary, this remote cabin makes an ideal basecamp for hiking and horseback riding in the wilderness. The large turnaround parking area can accommodate camper trailers, smaller RVs, and gooseneck horse trailers. Horses are not permitted at the guard station itself but equestrian camping is available at nearby East Creek Campground.

Directions

From Alturas, California, travel south on US Highway 395 for 18 miles to Likely. Turn left (east) onto County Road 64. Continue 9 miles toward Jess Valley and stay right at the fork toward Blue Lake (Blue Lake Road). Pavement ends in approximately 6.5 miles and becomes Forest Road 39N01 (South Warner Road). Continue 7.5 miles and turn left (north) at the sign for Patterson Campground (Forest Road 39N28), stay left to reach Patterson Guard Station.