Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin
Box Canyon Guard Station sits beneath a canopy of Douglas fir at an altitude of 3,620 feet on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. It is located approximately 75 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon in the Willamette National Forest. The guard station was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and used as a dwelling for fire guards. They were the smoke chasers, often riding on horseback through the tall timbers to the location spotted by the lookout tower guards. The first on the scene, they often tried to put out any fires they may have found on their own, or reported back for additional help. The guard station is open from early May through the end of October and is easily accessible by car. Some creature comforts are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in most of their own supplies and gear.
The 16x24-ft. cabin sleeps 4 and comes furnished with 2 twin beds with mattresses, a desk, a sofa bed, a table with chairs, wood stove and cleaning supplies. An outhouse, fire ring and picnic table are located nearby. A horse corral that measures approximately 45 feet in diameter is provided. Electricity, firewood and potable water are not provided. Guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. Water is available from a nearby stream, but it should be treated before using. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, dishes and cookware, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
Notifications and Alerts
Please be aware of our refund policy and refunds associated with wildfires. This facility is in a forested area. Wildfires can be present in the vicinity throughout the season. Reservations will not be given refunds outside of the cancellation window due to poor air quality in the case of a wildfire. Cancellations outside of the cancellation window will only be granted if the location is within a closure area due to a wildfire. Contact the McKenzie River Ranger Station if you have any questions at 541-822-3381.
Forest Service Road 19 is closed to the south of the facility from Oakridge. Access to the facility is only open from HWY 126 to FS RD 19.
Need to Know
Entry to the cabin is by combination keyless entry. The combination is provided in the Reservation confirmation letter. Call (541) 822-3381 at least 72 hours prior to arrival to confirm combination code and for updates.
- The McKenzie River Ranger District office is open Monday-Saturday during summer, and Monday-Friday the rest of the year. Please call 541-822-3381 for information at least 72 hours prior to arrival for updates or other information. Office hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- There is no water in the cabin; guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing
- Guests must pack out all trash and recyclables and clean cabin before leaving
- No camping allowed at the cabin, additional camping is available at the adjacent Box Canyon Horse Camp, an 11-site campground
- Pets and livestock must remain outside the cabin
- Please contact the Ranger District prior to arriving to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms, etc., that may affect your visit
- Learn more about the Willamette National Forest
- This campground does not accept walk-ins
- 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.
Natural Features
Box Canyon Guard Station sits at the doorstep of the Three Sisters Wilderness, a range of major peaks. The North, Middle and South Sisters all tower 10,000 feet above sea level. The surrounding landscape features alpine meadows, waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers and glacial lakes abundant with trout. The forest is dense and varied, with Douglas fir, silver fir, sub-alpine fir, mountain hemlock, true fir, lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagles, blacktail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
The guard station is located along the West Cascades National Scenic Byway, a 220-mile stretch of road that spans 3 national forests and a variety of landscapes. Travelers can enjoy seeing snow-capped mountains, old-growth forests, whitewater rivers, cascading waterfalls and quiet lakes.
Recreation
Trailheads into the Three Sisters Wilderness and the Chucksney Mountain Roadless Area are adjacent to the Guard Station. The nearby Box Canyon Trail Area offers a variety of multi-use trails for mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers.
Contact Information
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57600 McKenzie Highway MCKENZIE BRIDGE OR 97413
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-822-3381
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Blue River, OR, travel approximately 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive/Forest Service (FSR) 19. Turn right and proceed south for approximately 17 miles on Auderheide Drive past Cougar Reservoir to Box Canyon Guard Station. From I-5 in Eugene, OR, take exit 158 for Highway 58 toward Klamath Falls/Oakridge. Travel 31.4 miles on Highway 58, then turn left at the Westfir-Oakridge road. After 1/2 mile turn left on North Fork Road. Stay right to continue on Aufderheide Drive/FSR 19. Box Canyon Guard Station is approximately 32.5 miles from Highway 58.
