Consider the California Cabin For Your Next Vacation

The log cabin might be the most straightforward structure in modern history. Basic, functional, and quick to construct, the log cabin is a symbol of simpler times in a complicated modern world. Its appeal is universal. Anywhere you find concrete-chocked cities within proximity to an unspoiled pastoral landscape, you will find individuals who are out in the woods, building their dream cabin out of locally sourced materials.

The log cabin has been an intrinsic part of American frontier history since before Abe Lincoln studied law by candelight in his old Kentucky home. But even before that, they were widely built in Switzerland, Germany, and the Scandinavian countries. Immigrants brought their architecture with them to the nascent USA and continued building cabins, which were well-suited for the rough environments many found themselves in. They also had the advantage of being surrounded by the natural bounty of the United States, which meant they had lots of material to quickly construct a homestead. The architectural credo of function over form is deeply apparent in this most rustic of structures.

Though most of us don't live in log cabins anymore, that doesn't mean the log cabin has become less popular. To the contrary - the log cabin might be more popular in modern times than it ever was on the frontier. Why? Because in some ways it represents the best of American values: strength, simplicity, a connection with nature (Emerson, Thoreau, Laura Ingalls Wilder), a lack of pretension, and even a lack of a class system. The cabin is a symbol of neither the very rich nor the very poor - just of hard-working, commonsensical people doing the best they can with what's around them. It doesn't get more Green than that.

The log cabin was obviously a big hit in California, which is a state notable for its huge forests and rugged vistas. During the Gold Rush, log cabins sprouted up everywhere as miners from all over the world poured into California to make their fortunes.

There are still a few original log cabins from this time period around today and the more historical ones are looked after by the National Park Service and the Office of Historic Preservation. California cabins are still quite popular with tourists and history buffs.

The photo above is of an old log cabin in the Sequoia National Forest, made out of Sequoia logs.

The author stayed here in the mid-19th century where he wrote "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County", after the fireside story was told him by the bartender at his local saloon.

Here's a great example of a log cabin in its element. Surrounded by foliage, made out of local materials, totally in-tune with everything around it. This is the perfect place for a family or a group of friends to hang out and have some fun after exploring the gorgeous Sierra National Forest. This cabin is available for rent at Far Meadow.