Tattler Lake Ranger Cabin 
History
This cabin was the living quarters for the successive towermen who manned the Preston fire tower situated on a hilltop about 1.5 miles west of the cabin. The tower itself was put up in 1932 (moved from a less satisfactory location established in 1922 at Kitty Lake). The new hilltop was at an elevation of 1900 feet -- the highest spot in all of Algonquin Park. We have no record concerning the cabin's construction but the location is on the old No. 3 Camp of the J.R. Booth Lumbar Company. Booth's men helped in moving the tower components to the new site and they may well have contributed material and/or labour to the cabin as well.
By 1964 the tower was said (by an old report in the Park archives) to "sway quite noticeably in the wind" and the roof apparently needed fixing "because in winds one side lifts up". As for the cabin, it was "snake infested and logs are beginning to rot".
The summer of 1970 was probably the last year the tower was used and a 1971 directive called for the tower (and presumably the cabin as well) to be dismantled. However, all historic Park sites were evaluated between 1971 and 1973. The 1973 report on the Tattler Lake cabin was more positive, recognizing improvements made by portage crews and canoeists. A new roof has since been put on and other improvements made. Today's user need not worry about it being infested with snakes or rot.
Features & Amenities
- You will find an excellent cold water spring a few minutes walk along the old phone line behind the field.
- All cabins have fire extinguishers, wash basin, metal pail, shovel, broom, dust pan, bunks (no mattresses), CSA-approved wood-burning stove and chimney, stove operating instructions, heat shields behind and under the stove, table and chairs, and an outside closed-in toilet.
- Cabins are not equipped with any dishes, or pots and pans.
- Smoking is prohibited in rustic Ranger Cabins.
- Pets are prohibited.
- No running water, indoor bathrooms, or electricity is available
Location & Access
- Backcountry canoe access only. No vehicle access.
- The Tattler Lake Ranger Cabin can be accessed by canoeing from the Shall Lake Access Point or the Lake Opeongo Access Point.
- Consult the Algonquin Park Canoe Routes Map for detailed directions.
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