Murderers Creek Guard Station
Murderer's Creek Guard Station is in the heart of the Malheur National Forest, in central Oregon. It makes an excellent base camp for back country recreating, and is a cozy retreat for a couple and a fun opportunity to imagine the life of the early day forest rangers. The historic guard station is one of the oldest standing buildings in the forest. The cabin contains some modern amenities and can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The one-room "studio" cabin is equipped with a futon that folds down into a full (double) bed. It has a table and chairs, a propane cook stove, propane refrigerator and propane heater inside the cabin. Basic cooking pots, utensils and tableware are also provided.
There is a garage building and room to park an RV in the adjacent driveway. A newer style vault toilet is located outside.
Guests will need to bring water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as bedding, flashlights or a lantern for emergencies, a first aid kit, towels, garbage bags and dish soap, among other necessities. Guests will need to clean the cabin and carry out all trash before leaving.
Need to Know
- There is no water at the guard station; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning
- Bears may frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage (learn more about bear safety)
- The cabin remains locked; a combination code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter
- Guests should contact the Ranger Station before arrival to confirm that road closures or weather conditions won't affect a visit
Learn more about the Malheur National Forest 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.
Murderer's Creek Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage
Natural Features
The guard station is located approximately 32 miles from the town of John Day. It sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. The facility was built in 1913 and was originally used as a fire guard station. It was in use by Forest Service officials until the late 1990s. Murderer's Creek, a small creek that runs east and west along the southern base of Aldrich Mountain, is nearby the cabin. The guard station is surrounded by open meadows and timbered areas of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer. Abundant wildflowers dot the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, a 26-acre cedar grove on the northeast slope of Aldrich Mountain. The area is known for its wild horses, which coexist with mule deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, bear, cougar, and myriad smaller forest animals.
Recreation
Viewing wildlife and birds is popular in the area, as is hunting not far from the facility. Guests can hike area trails, explore the Cedar Grove Botanical Area and fish Murderer's Creek and South Fork John Day, though area creeks run dry toward summer's end.
Contact Information
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Prairie City Ranger District: 327 SW Front Street, P.O. Box 337 Prairie City OR 97869
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-820-3800
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Burns, travel North on Highway 395 approximately 55 miles to County Road 63. Turn left on County Road 63 to the junction of Forest Service Road 21. Take a right onto Forest Service Road 21 and travel approximately 16 miles to the guard station. From John Day, OR., travel approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26 to the junction with Forest Road 21. Turn south (left) on Forest Road 21, travel 12 miles to the guard station.
