Elkhorn Guard Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Elkhorn Guard Station
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Along Elwha River Trail, about 14.3 miles (23.0 km) south of Elwha, in Olympic National Forest |
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| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built by | U.S. Forest Service; Civilian Conservation Corps |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | Olympic National Park MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000714 |
| Added to NRHP | July 13, 2007 |
The Elkhorn Guard Station, also known as the Elkhorn Ranger Station, is a collection of four historic buildings. You can find them deep in the wilderness of Olympic National Park in Washington. These buildings were constructed by the U.S. Forest Service between 1930 and 1934. This was before the national park was even established! At that time, the land was part of the Olympic National Forest.
The buildings were designed in a special style called "rustic." This means they used natural materials and building methods that fit in with the wild surroundings. Workers from two government programs, the Public Works Administration and the Civilian Conservation Corps, helped build the station. The Elkhorn Guard Station is one of only five such stations built by the U.S. Forest Service that are still standing today.
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Exploring the Elkhorn Guard Station Buildings
The Elkhorn Guard Station has several important buildings. Each one played a role in helping forest rangers do their jobs.
The Ranger's Home
The main building at the station is the ranger's residence. It was built in 1933. This new cabin replaced a smaller one that rangers used before. The cabin is about 12-foot (3.7 m) by 16-foot (4.9 m). It's made from peeled logs and sits on a strong stone foundation. The roof is shaped like a triangle, called a gable roof.
Porch and Entrance Details
One end of the roof extends out to create a small porch. Log posts hold up this porch. On the other side of the cabin, a different type of roof covers the front door. This helps keep the entrance dry.
Other Important Buildings
Near the main cabin, other structures were built to support the station's work.
The Woodshed
A woodshed was added in 1934. This building was made with a simple wooden frame. It was used to store firewood, which was essential for heating the cabin.
The Barn for Horses
In 1933, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps built a barn. This barn was 20 feet (6.1 m) by 20 feet (6.1 m) in size. It had four stalls for horses, a manger for feeding them, and a hay rack. The barn was also made of logs. In 1996, the barn had to be moved. This was because the nearby Elwha River changed its path.
The Open Shelter
An open-fronted shelter was built in the early 1930s. This was one of six similar shelters built at that time, but it's the only one left. The shelter is about 14-foot (4.3 m) square. It has a unique "saltbox" shape, which means one side of the roof is longer than the other. Inside, it has a wooden floor and built-in bunk beds. This shelter was moved at the same time as the barn.
A Historic Landmark
The Elkhorn Guard Station is recognized as an important historical site. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 2007. This listing helps protect the station and its buildings for future generations.
