Miners Retreat
Open — Open year-round. From October through May, Forest Service Road 52 is not maintained; winter access is only available via Baker City route (Highway 7 to FSR 73). Water and indoor plumbing unavailable October through May; guests must bring water and use the nearby outhouse. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
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.…
Road and Campground Closure - Tucannon Area
The Umatilla National Forest has temporarily closed four roads and other recreation sites on the Pomeroy Ranger District due to unsafe driving conditions caused by the recent rainfall and river flooding. Forest Service Road (FSR) 47 has been closed at the junction of the Tucannon Fish Hatchery to…
Use of Vehicles - Asotin Winter Ranger Closure
The Asotin Winter Range Area Closure prohibits the possession or use of a vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any type of vehicle prohibited on National Forest System Roads within specific boundaries.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Meacham Divide Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Meacham Divide Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Andies Prairie Snow Play Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Spout Springs Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Spout Springs Ski area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Bluewood Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Bluewood Ski Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads (FSR) 40 and 42 on the Pomeroy Ranger District. This Forest Order is effective September 4, 2025, through August 31, 2027.
Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake
Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake. This Forest Order is effective August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2028.
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas
Prohibitions for occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas including storing equipment, personal property or supplies, possessing or using a wagon, cart or other vehicles, riding, and more. This Forest Order is effective August 21, 2025, through August 31, 2027
Spout Springs Ski Area Information
Spout Springs Ski Area will be closed for the 2025-2026 season. The Forest Service is looking for an operator to provide professional management and operational oversight at Spout Springs. The operator will be responsible for all aspects of resort management, including but not limited to: hiring…
Mill Creek Municipal Watershed Closure Area
A special closure area for the Mill Creek Municipal Watershed that prohibits going into or being upon the described area. This closure is in place for the protection of public health and safety. This Forest Order is effective November 19, 2024, through November 19, 2026.
14 Day Stay Limit
Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period is prohibited. This Forest Order is effective July 14, 2023, through July 20, 2026.
Panjab Trail #3127 bridge temporarily removed
Forest Service Officials have temporarily removed the Panjab Trail #3127 bridge to proactively mitigate potential post-fire debris flows that could damage the bridge this winter or next spring. The area experienced a runoff event in the spring of 2022, which created debris slides down Panjab…
Over-snow Vehicle Restrictions
Prohibitions on over-snow vehicle restrictions including operating or possessing an over-snow vehicle with a body width greater than 60 inches, operating an over-snow vehicle on Forest Service system roads or trails located on the Umatilla NF from April 1st to December 31st, and operating an…
About
Miners Retreat is an old Forest Service cabin that transports guests back to the bygone gold mining days of the early 1900s. Part of the historic Fremont Powerhouse complex, this cozy cabin is one of four rental properties at the site near the town of Granite, providing excellent flexibility for larger groups or family gatherings. The surrounding valleys once teemed with gold mining activity, and the Fremont Powerhouse was built in 1908 as an economical power source for area mines. Workers' homes were constructed to shelter those who monitored the 8-mile pipeline from Olive Lake. The cabin sits at 5,000 feet elevation on a hillside overlooking the expansive Umatilla National Forest near the North Fork John Day Wilderness. It sleeps up to six people in two bedrooms equipped with twin beds and bunkbeds. The cabin features a parlor with dining table and queen futon, a full kitchen with refrigerator, electric stove/oven, microwave, and cookware, plus a covered front porch with glider. Electric lights and wall heaters provide comfort year-round. During summer months (June through September), the cabin has running water and a flush toilet; during winter, water must be packed in and an outhouse is provided nearby. Guests enjoy access to hiking trails into the North Fork John Day Wilderness, mountain biking on forest roads, and drives along the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. Huckleberry and mushroom picking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Nearby Olive Lake offers boating, fishing, and swimming. The cabin is located less than 6 miles from Granite, a ghost town that provides groceries and fuel.
Directions
From Baker City (winter access): Travel west on Highway 7 for 20 miles to FSR 73. Proceed north through Sumpter 17 miles to Granite. From Granite go west on County Road 24 for 6 miles. At the junction where the main road veers left, turn right uphill on FSR 10 and follow signs to Fremont Powerhouse. From Pendleton (summer only, May-October): Travel south on Highway 395 for 50 miles to Ukiah exit. Turn left on Highway 244 to Ukiah, then right on FSR 52. Travel 50 miles to Granite, then follow County Road 24 and FSR 10 as above. Confirm road conditions with ranger district before attempting FSR 52 route October through May.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 427-3231 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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