Murderers Creek Guard Station
Open for the season from May 6 through November 15. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. No mobile phone coverage at this remote location. Bears may be present; proper food storage required.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Stancliff Bridge FSR31 Closure for Repair
This Closure is necessary to facilitate emergency repairs to roads and bridges within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Road maintenance on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District will commence on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Stancliff bridge must be closed to protect the public during the repair…
Magone Trail Closure Continuation 2026
Due to precommercial thinning operations that are planned around Magone Bike trail paths, for the safety of the public these trails need to be closed to the public while falling activities take place. Trails and Trailheads affected:Porcupine Springs #5089Phlo #5091Pumphouse #5091
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
About
Murderer's Creek Guard Station offers a unique opportunity to stay in one of the oldest standing buildings on the Malheur National Forest. Built in 1913 as a fire guard station and used by Forest Service officials until the late 1990s, this historic cabin sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation along Forest Road 21, about 32 miles from John Day. The one-room cabin features a futon bed that sleeps two, a table with chairs, and propane-powered amenities including a cook stove, refrigerator, heater, and lights. Basic cookware and tableware are provided. A newer-style vault toilet is located outside, along with an old garage building. There is no water on site, so guests must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and washing. The guard station provides excellent access to outdoor recreation including the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Fields Peak Trail, McClellan Mountain Trail, and Riley Creek Trail. The area is known for wild horses, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Murderer's Creek and the South Fork John Day River offer fishing, though creeks may run dry toward summer's end.
Directions
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 and travel 12 miles to the guard station.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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