Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab
Ditch Creek Guard Station, located about 27 miles southeast of Heppner, Oregon, is a comfortable little cabin that accommodates six overnight guests, with additional space for tent camping outside. Equestrian campers are welcome and a corral with trough is provided.
The guard station was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. It is a classic example of forest structures of that era and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It was used by forest fireguards who would ride their horses deep into the forest’s interior to look for wisps of smoke from lightning strikes or to check on communications lines along Forest Service roads. It became a recreation rental in 1997.
The cabin is a one-story building containing a bedroom, living room, kitchen with nook, and a bathroom. The cabin does not meet accessibility standards due to narrow doorways and halls. A picnic table, campfire ring and a 20' X 20' horse corral with water trough are located outside. Guests may pitch tents in the yard for additional sleeping options.
The bedroom contains two bunk beds, a dresser, and a chair, and the living room is furnished with a futon, loveseat, side table, a dining table with four chairs, and a heating stove. A cook stove, fire extinguisher, cookware, silverware, and dishes are included in the kitchen. All appliances and lighting are propane, which is provided by the Forest Service.
Potable water is available. Guests must bring food, bedding, toiletries, matches, flashlights, first aid kits, and any other camping gear. Cleaning supplies are provided in a closet by the door and guests are expected to clean the cabin before they leave.
Need to Know
We are currently working on the Ditch Creek water system and expect to have it up and running for the 2024 season. Information will be updated as we progress.
Entry to the cabin is by combination lock. The combination will be provided on the reservation confirmation letter.
Check in 2:00 PM Check out 11:00 AM
To check on weather conditions and road access prior to arrival, please call the Heppner Ranger District at (541) 676-9187.
The Heppner Recreation Department is now offering portable power box's for those with medical devices that may need charged during your stay. Devices such as C-PAP machines, Portable oxygen, and other such medical devices. Please contact the Heppner Recreation Department for further information. (541) 676-2155
Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility.
Parking is limited; please minimize the number of RVs and vehicles at the cabin.
Hay brought to this facility must be certified weed-free.
Use of the outside fire ring may be restricted due to fire conditions. For current fire restrictions and closures, call the Ranger Station or click here .
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
For additional information and road conditions please contact the Recreation Department at the Heppner Ranger District (541-676-2155).
Natural Features
The cabin sits near Ditch Creek on a large, flat lawn surrounded by a dense pine forest at an elevation of 4,800 feet. The creek is one of numerous small perennial streams that flow south into the North Fork John Day River. There is a small pond adjacent that is also stocked with fish. Deer and elk are likely to be seen in the area, and as evening falls, guests can watch bats flit and swoop above the yard.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest town with a general store is Heppner, a 27 mile, 40-minute drive away, although ice and some food options are available at the Morrow County OHV park 30 miles or 37 minutes away.
Recreation
The route to the cabin is located off the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway, which boasts incredible views. Over 26 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, ranging between 4,100 and 5,300 feet in elevation, traverse forests and meadows throughout the Heppner Ranger District. Fishing opportunities abound in nearby streams, Penland Lake, and Bull Prairie Lake. Other activities include hunting for deer and elk, mushroom and berry picking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the scenic landscape.
Contact Information
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P.O. BOX 7 HEPPNER OR 97836
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-676-9187
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Lexington, OR, take Highway 74/207 east to Heppner. At the junction just outside the southern edge of Heppner, take a left (east) on paved Willow Creek Road. Travel 23 miles past Willow Creek Lake, Cutsforth County Park and up Coalmine Hill. At the top of the hill, take a right (west) on Forest Service Road 21 (a gravel road) and travel 3.5 miles. The cabin is located on a hill on the north side of the road and is accessed by two short entrance roads (Forest Service Road 050 and 051).
