The cabin was originally called the Gold Meadows Ranger Station. It is a well-preserved example of the early Forest Service era. To many people Gold Meadows symbolizes the early trappers and Forest Service in the backcountry. It typifies the early developmental period when an elaborate network of fire lookouts, trails and telephone lines were built.

According to Louis F. Hartig, “Gold Meadows was a strategically located and frequently used maintenance campsite. Crews camped there while working Trails #205, 206, 209, 260 and a section of the Mocus Point telephone line.”