Forest Glen Guard Station
4.1920 reviewsWEAVERVILLE RANGER STATION, PO BOX 1190, WEAVERVILLE, CA, 96093 USA
Forest Glen Guard Station
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for peak season (April 17 to December 1) is $75 per night. Taxes, discounts, and incremental charges may apply.
About this campground
Step back in time at Forest Glen Guard Station, where a century of forest service history meets modern comfort in this enchanting 1916 two-story cabin. Nestled between the babbling waters of Glen Creek and the pristine South Fork Trinity River, this historic retreat seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary conveniences. Eight guests can gather in comfort, enjoying a fully equipped kitchen, cozy space heaters, and modern bathrooms, before settling into Adirondack chairs around the fire pit to share stories under the stars. With electricity illuminating the original wooden floors and a picnic table ready for outdoor feasts, Forest Glen offers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing comfort.
Forest Glen Guard Station offers a unique lodging experience in a historic cabin. It accommodates up to eight people and provides modern amenities like electricity, a fully furnished kitchen, and flush toilets.
Historical SignificanceStanding as the oldest Forest Service building in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, this 1916 cabin bears witness to over a century of conservation history. Constructed under the watchful eye of John T. Grey, the station has sheltered generations of forest rangers and now opens its doors to modern adventurers. Former ranger Emmett C. recently returned to find "the same flooring has held up well," a testament to the craftsmanship that has endured through decades of service. Every creaking board and weathered beam tells a story of the men and women who protected these forests, making your stay part of an ongoing legacy.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-April through December, Forest Glen Guard Station welcomes visitors to experience Northern California's perfect outdoor weather. Peak season brings gloriously warm days averaging 77°F that cool to comfortable 51°F evenings—ideal for both riverside adventures and fireside relaxation. The dry, stable conditions mean you can count on clear skies for stargazing and uninterrupted exploration of the surrounding wilderness. Each season paints the landscape in different hues, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's golden tapestry.
ElevationTucked into the gentle folds of the Trinity Mountains, Forest Glen Guard Station offers a perfect basecamp elevation that balances accessibility with that away-from-it-all feeling that draws visitors to the Shasta-Trinity wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the whisper of wind through towering ponderosa pines and the gentle murmur of Glen Creek just beyond your window. Forest Glen Guard Station sits in a natural amphitheater of Douglas fir and oak, where sun-dappled meadows stretch toward the year-round waters of Glen Creek. Just across the highway, the South Fork Trinity River—one of Northern California's last wild waterways—invites exploration. As visitor Bonnie T. discovered, "a great beach along the Trinity river" awaits those who venture beyond the cabin's forested embrace. This is a landscape that shifts from intimate creek-side groves to sweeping river vistas, offering both solitude and adventure.
Geological RegionDeep in the heart of the Hayfork area, Forest Glen Guard Station occupies a special corner of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest where diverse ecosystems converge. Here, the ancient geology has created a tapestry of habitats—from the stately ponderosa pine and Douglas fir forests to oak woodlands and wildflower meadows. The perpetual flow of Glen Creek has carved its own story through the landscape, while the South Fork Trinity River continues its wild journey as one of the region's most scenic and untamed waterways. This is quintessential Northern California wilderness, where the meeting of mountain, forest, and river creates an outdoor paradise that has captivated visitors for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in official sources or user reviews. Some guests noted challenges with navigating steep stairs within the cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to eight people indoors, with additional space for sleeping bags on the floor.
Sites PrivacyReviews describe the cabin as semi-private, with some traffic from nearby roads and occasional visitors parking close to the cabin to access the river.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect this cabin for its proximity to water features and serene forest setting. Guests may prefer sleeping downstairs to avoid varnish fumes if sensitive to odors.
Best CampsitesOnly one cabin is available, Forest Glen Guard Station.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time varies based on booking but typically begins at 14:00 (2 PM).
Check-out
Check-out time varies but is generally required by 12:00 (Noon).
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per cabin is eight people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin setup.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from mid-April to December 1 each year.
Reservation PlatformsAvailable for booking through Recreation.gov.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the date of arrival. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Additional penalties include forfeiting the first night's use fee if canceled late (within 14 days for cabins). Modifications outside the original reservation dates incur a $10 change fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
GlampingGlamping options are available for visitors looking to enjoy nature with added comfort. These upgraded accommodations offer a unique blend of outdoor atmosphere and modern convenience.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Forest Glen Guard Station offers diverse recreational activities for guests. Highlights include hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and cultural appreciation of the historic cabin. The nearby South Fork National Recreational Trail provides access to scenic routes along the Trinity River. Some reviews noted issues like limited tranquility due to nearby traffic and construction noise.
Hiking
The South Fork National Recreational Trail, accessible 1.5 miles from the cabin, offers a 21-mile route with scenic views. The first 7.2 miles, paralleling the South Fork Trinity River, are the most popular among hikers. Additional trails can be explored at nearby Ruth Lake.Swimming
Guests can enjoy swimming in the South Fork Trinity River, located across the street from the cabin. Reviews frequently praise the quality of swimming holes, describing them as 'great places to swim or float' and 'cool swimming spots close to the cabin.'Biking
Biking opportunities are mentioned within the recreational activities, but details about specific trails and terrain are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area is rich in natural beauty, with guests frequently commenting on the abundance of wildlife and scenic surroundings. The creek near the cabin is noted for its rejuvenating ambiance.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not clearly outlined, but space heaters are provided for colder months, and reviews confirm the cabin's suitability for 'chilly weekends in November.'Water Sports
Guests mention tubing in the river, but details about other water sports are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- California campfire permit required. Firewood must be locally sourced.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should be aware of wildfires in the region. "Unfortunately, a fairly recent forest fire burned near the cabin... so most of the surrounding forest is charred." – Michael M. Potential exposure to Hanta Virus is noted for remote cabins.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but previous wildfires have impacted the surroundings.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Weaverville Ranger Station (phone: (530) 623-2121) for ranger assistance. Closest hospitals or police stations not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 17, 2025 - December 01, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, though cleanliness issues were reported in user reviews, particularly regarding leftover items from previous visitors.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Glen Creek and near the South Fork Trinity River.
Common complaintsComplaints include cleanliness issues left by prior guests, difficulties in finding the cabin at night, plumbing issues, and varnish fumes upstairs. "Fridge was full of empty packaging and old food from prior people... super gross." – Emma N.
HostManaged by Weaverville Ranger Station. Contact at (530) 623-2121.
Campground Map
WEAVERVILLE RANGER STATION, PO BOX 1190, WEAVERVILLE, CA, 96093 USA
Driving directionsPlease note: Do NOT rely on GPS systems, particularly those on phones, as this can result in you being led off track onto Forest roads that cannot be traversed with all vehicle types. The cabin is off of a major Northern California Highway; there is no appropriate or direct route via gravel or dirt forest roads, except for the very short traverse to the cabin on the 1S26 Road directly off of CA-36. Coming from the south on I-5, take California State Highway 36 West at Red Bluff. Continue on CA-36 West for approximately 75 miles to Forest Glen. Pass Forest Glen Campground on the north (right), cross the South Fork Trinity River Bridge and turn south (left) directly after crossing the bridge onto Forest Road 1S26. Coming from the north on I-5, take either California State Highway 36 West or California State Highway 299 West. Once on CA-299, go west for approximately 37 miles. Turn south (left) on CA-3 directly before Douglas City. Follow CA-3 South for approximately 35 miles, turn west (right) on CA-36 and continue to Forest Glen. Coming from the west on US-101, take CA-36 East for approximately 60 miles toward Forest Glen. Turn south (right) on Forest Road 1S26 directly before crossing the South Fork Trinity River Bridge.
Accessible from paved highways (California State Highway 36) with a short traverse on Forest Road 1S26. Drivers are advised against relying on GPS systems as they can misdirect onto untraversable roads. Seasonal accessibility concerns are not noted.Nearby places
Hayfork (~30 miles, ~30 minutes), Red Bluff (~75 miles, ~approx. 1.5 hours), Fortuna (~60 miles, ~approx. 1 hour), Weaverville (~approx. 37 miles, ~1 hour).
Nearby supplies
Hayfork (~30 minutes from the cabin) offers limited groceries and fuel with restricted hours. Larger supply centers include Red Bluff (~75 miles west on CA-36) or Fortuna (~60 miles east on US-101).
Camper Reviews
4.2
20 reviews
Forest Glen Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Forest Glen Guard Station highlight its charming setting, historic significance, and well-equipped facilities. Complaints mostly center around cleanliness and maintenance issues, with some concerns about air circulation and plumbing.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests frequently praise the cabin's serene location, proximity to the river, and comprehensive kitchen amenities. Comments like 'a beautiful setting by the creek,' 'fully stocked kitchen,' and...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Cleanliness is a recurring issue, with reports of filthy refrigerators, bathrooms, and floors left by previous occupants. Maintenance concerns include the kitchen sink backing up and varnish fumes...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend arriving during daylight hours to locate the cabin easily due to limited signage and cell service. Bringing additional space heaters and cleaning supplies is also advised.
Based on 20 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and summer reviews note vibrant wildlife and enjoyable outdoor activities like swimming and hiking. Fall and winter feedback emphasizes the cabin's cozy ambiance but highlights the need for...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Such a nice tranquil setting. The Trinity River across the street is a great place to swim or float.' 2. 'Kitchen sink kept backing up into bathroom sink - super gross.' 3. 'Fully stocked with...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews are specific to the Forest Glen Guard Station cabin, emphasizing its charm and functionality but also pointing out recurring maintenance and cleanliness issues.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility concerns include steep and narrow stairs within the cabin, which may pose challenges for guests with limited mobility.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and some reviews appreciate this feature. However, additional details about pet accommodations are not provided.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025