Log Cabin Motel
Log Cabin Motel – Pinedale, Wyoming
12
JULY, 2021
The Log Cabin Motel is a throwback to an earlier age, the time of the ‘motor court’ era. It was originally called the ‘cabin camp’ and built in 1929. It is the longest continuously operating lodging facility in Pinedale, Wyoming. Though it’s called a motel, it is really a collection of small cabins spread out over half a city block. Pinedale is likely the city you will use as a base on any trip to the Wind River Range. The Log Cabin Motel in Pinedale is your ‘must stay’ lodging.
First Impression of the Log Cabin Motel
The office building of the Log Cabin Motel faces Magnolia Street and sits between two large pine trees. Those trees and the building’s decor give one a feeling of being at a cabin in the woods. It’s peaceful and inviting. That’s the same feeling I get every time I’ve visited the Log Cabin Motel. It feels like you’re at home.
“Absolutely charming and cozy cabins with lots of history, and a place you must stay if you are visiting Pinedale.” – Guest Review
A short history of the Log Cabin Motel
The Log Cabin Motel is a National Registered Historic Place. The “cabin camp” was built in 1929 and is recognized as the longest continuously operated lodging property in Pinedale, Wyoming. The Log Cabin was originally built and owned by Walter Scott. He built the lodging with the help of craftsmen who needed to pay off their debts at his store. Mr. Scott built eight cabins in a U shape, with a bathhouse in the center. This Historic Motel in Pinedale, Wyoming, has served many purposes. In earlier times, due to the harsh winters, it was nearly impossible for the local doctor to travel to ranches for months at a time. So local women would stay in Pinedale at the Log Cabin Motel until their babies were born.
Most guests who made this their lodging did their own cleaning. Some who could not pay their bill would do minor repairs and paint in return for accommodation. In the late 1930s, the cabins were remodeled, and indoor plumbing was added. Since then, the motel has had numerous owners and actually changed hands in a poker game. A train robber (now in the Cowboy Hall of Fame) also spent the night here. Today, The Log Cabin Motel is on the National Historic Registry. All of the cabins are maintained to retain their historic charm.
Variety of cabins, but all have porches
The cabins vary in size and price. Starting with a one-room cabin ($79 per night) that accommodates two people. Up to a small house-like cabin with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room ($135 per night) that accommodates six. All of the cabins are clean, comfortable, and recently renovated.
There is much to love about the Log Cabin Motel. But it’s safe to say that what we anticipate the most for our stays is the ‘porch time.’ The porches on the cabins along Magnolia street face the road. All are tastefully decorated with flower baskets and well-maintained landscaping. Each porch has plenty of comfortable chairs and a table.
We have shared many meals and stories on the Log Cabin porches. Perhaps even an adult beverage or two! We typically hit the porch for some relaxation time after the long travel required to get to Pinedale. And then again after making our traditional first-night visits to the Great Outdoor Shop outfitter and Wind River Brewing Company. Much of our final trip preparations and planning have taken place long into the night on those beloved porches.
Conclusion – Log Cabin Motel
I have now done three backpacking trips to the Wind River Range. The Log Cabin Motel has provided us with our first-night accommodations on each of those trips, starting with the 2018 Wind River Range hike. It is a comfort to us to know that’s where we’ll be staying before we go into the backcountry. The Log Cabin is cozy, clean, comfortable, and feels like ‘home.’
The owners are friendly and accommodating. The night before our 2021 hike, we looked all over town for a lightweight, folding skillet. We needed it to cook our steaks on the first night in the backcountry. We never found a suitable skillet in town. But we did find the same skillet we were looking for in one of our cabins. We were bold enough to ask the Log Cabin owners if we could ‘borrow’ it for our trip. They said, ‘of course!’ I can’t make that stuff up. After our hike, we returned the skillet. Our bond with the Log Cabin got even stronger. If you’re ever in Pinedale for the night, do yourself a favor and stay at the Log Cabin Motel. I highly recommend it.
I am a ‘content creator’ with a passion for backpacking, creating videos, photography, and writing – with a healthy dose of all things outdoors on the side!
