Hemlock Cabin
Hemlock Butte Cabin is a very primitive backcountry winter experience, and guests who stay here should be experienced in winter backcountry travel. This remote setting makes the four-mile ski or snowshoe to the cabin worth the effort. The cabin was built by the Edelweiss Ski Club in 1990 and has room for 8 people. There are often occupants from several different groups staying in the cabin at the same time. Only a few basic amenities are offered, so guests should be prepared to pack in most of their own supplies and gear.
The cabin is a three-story A-frame with a wood stove for heating the cabin and melting snow. The ground floor serves as the living area with benches around the stove. The middle floor is the sleeping area. The top floor is available for light storage via a wall-mounted ladder. The only provided cooking pot is for melting snow. Firewood is provided through Edelweiss Ski Club volunteers and U.S. Forest Service staff, but guests are asked to use it conservatively. An indoor outhouse with vault toilet is located at the cabin. No electricity or drinking water is provided. Guests typically melt snow to use for drinking, cooking and washing. The cabin does not have beds. Guests should bring sleeping bags and pads, a camp stove, cookware and utensils, lanterns or flashlights, a first aid kit, matches, extra toilet paper and garbage bags. All trash and food should be packed out, and guests are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
The cabin is situated at the base of Southern Oregon's Mount Bailey in Umpqua National Forest, near scenic Diamond Lake. Mount Bailey is a popular backcountry ski destination, averaging 600 inches of snow per year and boasting 6,000 acres of ideal skiing terrain. Mount Bailey, part of the Cascade Mountain Range, is a shield volcano topped with a 2,000-foot tephra cone. The mountain is heavily forested with pine at lower elevations, which gives way to hemlock and fir at higher elevations. The peak rises above treeline and crests at 8,363 feet.
Several winter recreation trails crisscross the area. The Hemlock Butte Trail, which is used to access the cabin, is a challenging backcountry ski experience. Skiers on this trail can enjoy views of Mount Thielsen, Mount Bailey and even the rim of Crater Lake on a clear day. Advanced skiers can make the difficult trek up Mount Bailey, a two-mile trip from the cabin with an elevation gain of 3,300 feet. Skiers should make sure to have proper backcountry equipment and be aware of avalanche dangers.
Permit & Season Information
A permit is required during the peak season of November through April; however, over snow access is typically available from late December through March. During this time, the cabin requires guests to ski or snowshoe to the cabin. Access can vary year to year; be prepared with snowshoes or skis for over-snow access.
Reservations can be made six months in advance. Same-day reservations are available.
Need to Know
- Drinking water is not available at the cabin; a pot is provided for melting snow
- The cabin is only available to reservation holders; there is no first-come, first-served use
- The cabin has a capacity of 8 people per night
- Guests who make a reservation for two people for a single night could potentially be sharing the cabin with 6 others from multiple groups; please be respectful of others
- Pets are not allowed in the cabin or surrounding area
- Please pack out all trash and leave the cabin cleaner than found
- Firewood may NOT BE available. Mid-season firewood restocking is impossible; please be conservative with the firewood
- Snowmobiles are not permitted on the Hemlock Butte Trail
- Learn more about Umpqua National Forest
- 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.
- Guests need to purchase an Oregon Sno-Park permit to park at Three Lakes Sno-Park. These can be purchased at Diamond Lake Resort or other outlets
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee: $6.00 (non-refundable)
Cancellation Policy
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Cancellation Policy
Please cancel your reservation 10 or more days in advance in order to allow others the opportunity to reserve the space. There are no refunds.
Change Policy
Changes can be made to the group size or to the length of stay if made 10 days or more prior to your arrival date and depending upon availability. Changes cannot be made to the reservation if made nine days or less prior to your arrival date.
Print Permit Information
You may print your permit up to 10 days prior to your arrival date. Once you print your permit, you cannot make changes to your reservation. If you need to make changes to your permit, you must call the Umpqua National Forest at (541) 498-2531.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
2020 Toketee Ranger Station Rd Idleyld Park OR 97447
Phone Number
(541) 498-2531
