Established Camping
Louella Cabin
Louella Cabin is located in the Olympic National Forest, where the terrain consists of dense forests and rolling hills. The area experiences temperature highs around 70°F in summer and lows near 30°F in winter. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge and Olympic Game Farm.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Olympic National Forest
Overview
Located in the northeast portion of Olympic National Forest, Louella Cabin offers guests a unique lodging experience. It was built in 1912 by Forest Service employee, E. M. Cheney, who dedicated the structure to his wife, Louella. A fireguard was stationed at the cabin during the summer and fall. During the Great Depression, a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp was built in the lower part of the meadow below the cabin and consisted of barracks, a bathhouse and mess hall. The CCC has worked on many projects in the area, including fire lookouts, trails, bridges, roads and planting trees after forest fires. After the CCC camp closed in 1939, the guard station was used by various agencies until 1976. Today, the site offers guests year-round recreation and relaxation in Olympic National Forest. Access to the cabin is by vehicle; however, snow chains may be required in winter. The cabin offers several amenities, but guests will need to bring a few of their own supplies for a truly enjoyable stay.
Recreation
The cabin is conveniently located near the Buckhorn Wilderness, which offers excellent opportunities for backpacking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain climbing and hiking, with over 58 miles of trails. Anglers will enjoy fishing the Dungeness River, and are drawn to it for steelhead and cutthroat trout, as well as chinook, coho and pink salmon. The river has its headwaters high on Mount Mystery in Olympic National Park, and descends into Dungeness Bay on the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Natural Features
Louella Cabin sits on a gentle slope overlooking a valley and flanked by a canopy of towering Douglas fir. Buckhorn Wilderness is accessible from the cabin. Located in the northeast corner of Olympic National Forest, the wilderness area is divided into northern and southern portions by the Dungeness River. The northern portion descends from higher mountainous terrain to lowlands, heavily forested in fir, hemlock, and cedar with an understory of moss, ferns, and berry bushes. South of the river, the terrain soars skyward to alpine meadows and rocky ridges. Magnificent old-growth western hemlock, western red cedar and Douglas fir dominate the forest, providing habitat for elk, black-tailed deer, black bears and mountain lions.
Nearby Attractions
Take some time to visit the area around the historic Tubal Cain mine in the nearby Buckhorn Wilderness or hike to views of the Olympic mountains and Buckhorn Wilderness from the Ned Hill Lookout site. Visitors also enjoy access to Olympic National Park from this area. Take some time to visit Olympic National Park, known for its diverse and spectacular ecosystems.
Location
Louella Cabin is located in Washington
Directions
From Sequim, travel east for approximately 3 miles. Just past John Wayne Marina Road, turn right onto the 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. Access to the cabin by vehicle may require chains in the winter during periods of heavy snow; the last 1/8 mile of road is not plowed.
Address
Palo Alto Road/Forest Service Road 28
Sequim, WA 98382
Coordinates
47.995199 N
123.084905 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Fires