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(click for full size)
The historic Headwaters Patrol Cabin over looks the South Ram River. The patrol cabin is a historic treasure, and is a true landmark. This cabin is rich in history of early explorers of the area. A sign at the cabin reads:
Construction of the Headwaters Forestry Patrol Cabin was done by the Dominion Forest Service. Construction commenced in 1914 with the felling and skidding of the building logs to the site. An abundance of fire killed timber was available nearby, from which the cabin was constructed. This may have contributed to the cabins longevity as fire killed timber is generally more resistant to deterioration. In the summer of 1915, a ranger and an assistant completed the log work including a pole roof. The cabin was liveable, but not water tight. Metal shingles were packed in and installed during the summer of 1916 and the cabin was completed.
Total construction cost:
Materials $ 6.00
Hired labour $ 66.00
Ranger labour $ 112.99
Maintenance $ 26.08
TOTAL $ 211.07
The purpose of the Headwaters Cabin was to provide accommodation for forest officers on patrol, and for the storage of firefighting tools. Patrol cabins were constructed approximately 29 km (18 miles) apart, which was considered to be an average distance to travel on a day with patrol horses. Other patrol cabins within a one day ride of the Headwaters were the Whitegoat, Onion Lake, Ram Falls, and Indian Head (now Banff National Park).
The cabin is accesible using the South Ram River Trail, or the White Rabbit Creek Trail. Access by OHV to the cabin ended in 2003 when the sourth ram river trail was closed.
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