Tucked into the mountains near Keechelus Lake in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, sits a rustic, off-grid cabin currently listed for sale at $99,900. Just an hour’s drive from Seattle, this one-bedroom retreat is drawing attention for its unusual ownership structure, scenic setting, and totally unplugged lifestyle appeal.
Listing Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 4061 FS RD 4832, Snoqualmie Pass, WA 98068 |
| Price | $99,900 |
| Price per sq. ft. | $95 |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Living Area | 1,056 sq. ft. |
| Lot Size | 0.48 acres |
| Year Built | 1944 |
| Home Type | Single Family Residence |
| Listing Status | Active |
| MLS Source | NWMLS #2270098 |
What Makes This Cabin Different
Unlike a typical mountain home, this cabin doesn’t sit on land the owner actually owns outright. Instead, the property occupies land leased from the U.S. Forest Service, under a 20-year renewable federal permit. Because of this non-traditional arrangement, the sale must be completed entirely in cash — conventional mortgage financing isn’t an option here, and buyers are expected to independently verify every legal and structural detail before committing.
The cabin itself leans fully into rustic, self-sufficient living. There’s no connection to the municipal power grid; instead, residents rely on a generator for electricity and a wood-burning fireplace for heat. Water comes from a natural spring source rather than a city supply, and there’s no sewer hookup. A loft area adds extra living space, and a covered porch offers sweeping views across Keechelus Lake and the surrounding peaks. Reaching the cabin in winter takes some effort too — snow typically blocks vehicle access past the property gate, so getting in means snowshoeing the final stretch.
For those who love the backcountry, the location is hard to beat. The cabin sits close to The Summit at Snoqualmie ski area, Gold Creek, and Boneyard Campgrounds, putting skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing all within easy reach.
Interior & Construction Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Flooring | Softwood |
| Heating | Wood-burning fireplace (1 fireplace, main level) |
| Cooling | None |
| Appliances Included | Stove/range |
| Exterior Material | Wood siding |
| Foundation | Block |
| Roof | Metal |
| Parking | Driveway, RV parking available |
| Lot Topography | Sloped, wooded |
| Lot Dimensions | 116′ x 187′ x 93′ x 192′ |
| Zoning | CF (County jurisdiction) |
| Land Ownership | Leased (U.S. Forest Service) |
Price History
| Date | Event | Price | Price/sq. ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2024 | Listed for sale | $99,900 | $95 |
The home has now been on the market for well over 500 days, a notably long stretch that likely reflects the challenges of financing a cabin on leased federal land — a niche that narrows the pool of eligible cash buyers considerably.
Public Tax History
| Year | Property Taxes | Change | Tax Assessment | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $406 | +7.7% | $87,440 | +0.2% |
| 2023 | $377 | -2.9% | $87,270 | +14.3% |
| 2022 | $388 | -9.5% | $76,320 | +16.7% |
Property taxes here run remarkably low compared to conventional homes of similar size, largely because the assessed value reflects only the structure and leasehold interest rather than full land ownership.
Estimated Market Value
According to the listing platform, no automated market value estimate (Zestimate) or estimated sale range is currently available for this property — a common outcome for homes with atypical ownership arrangements like a Forest Service land lease, since standard valuation models struggle to price this kind of asset accurately.
Estimated Monthly Payment
For buyers exploring financing scenarios, the listing platform’s calculator estimates:
| Payment Component | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Principal & Interest | $387 |
| Property Taxes | $59 |
| Home Insurance | $35 |
| Total Estimated Payment | $481/month |
Keep in mind this figure is a general estimate; given the cash-only nature of the actual sale terms, real-world financing options for this specific property will likely differ.
Should You Consider This Property?
This isn’t a fit for someone hunting for a conventional starter home. But for a buyer specifically looking for a low-cost mountain escape — a place to disconnect, ski nearby, and enjoy lake and mountain views without a hefty price tag — this cabin offers an unusual opportunity. The trade-offs are real: no guaranteed long-term land ownership, cash-only purchase terms, off-grid utilities, and difficult winter access. Anyone seriously interested should dig deep into the Forest Service lease terms, renewal history, and any restrictions tied to the permit before making an offer.
Source: Property listing data via Zillow (MLS #2270098).