Alsea River Guard Station

Open — Operated as a rental cabin by Benton County Natural Areas and Parks. Reservations can be made through Benton County's online reservation system.

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.

Tickets/reservations required for Sand Lake July 3, 4, and 5

Sand Lake Recreation Area will have ticket system July 3 – 5, 2026. Visitors will need a vehicle ticket or a reservation at a developed campground. For developed campgrounds, campsite vehicle parking limits will be strictly enforced during Fourth of July weekend.

Cape Perpetua Visitor Center closed mid-Dec.-May for remodeling

The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center will close from December 16, 2025 through mid-May 2026 for an extensive remodel. This includes modernizing aging infrastructure, updating interpretative displays and expanding the gift shop.

Geotechnical drilling and testing on Marys Peak and Mt. Hebo

Beginning December 8, 2025 geotechnical drilling and testing will be conducted on Marys Peak (Central Coast Ranger District) and on Mt Hebo (Hebo Ranger District) near established communication sites.

Homestead Trailhead Closure

The Homestead trailhead accessing the Sweet Creek Trail (#1319) is closed until further notice due to significant damage to the boardwalk. The Sweet Creek Trail is accessible to the south via the Sweet Creek Falls Trailhead.

Forest-Wide Camping Restrictions

The following acts are prohibited in the areas described by this order within the administrative boundaries of the Siuslaw National Forest. This order will become effective upon signature and shall be in effect May 2nd, 2025, through May 1st, 2027 or until rescinded.

Beach restrictions in effect March 15 - Sept. 15 to protect nesting western snowy plover

Beachgoers are urged to help recovery efforts of the threatened western snowy plover by staying on the wet sand at snowy plover beaches during nesting season, March 15 – Sept. 15.

Road Closure on Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861

A landslide occurred on Nov. 12, 2021 closing multiple sections of Forest Service Road (FSR) 1861.

Alcohol Prohibition

This order prohibits possessing a beverage which is defined as an alcohol beverage by State law.

About

The Alsea River Guard Station is a historic Forest Service building that has been transformed into a unique rental cabin experience through a partnership between the Siuslaw National Forest and Benton County Natural Areas and Parks. Located on the western edge of Alsea along the scenic Alsea River, this former ranger's residence and guard station offers visitors a chance to stay in a piece of Pacific Northwest history. The cabin's riverside location provides direct access to fishing, boating, and river recreation. Positioned across from a county park with a boat ramp, the guard station is ideally situated for anglers pursuing salmon and steelhead on the Alsea River, which flows 48.5 miles from the Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean at Waldport. The surrounding Siuslaw National Forest offers additional recreational opportunities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the lush coastal mountain ecosystem. This rental cabin represents a distinctive alternative to traditional camping, allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast Range while enjoying the character of a restored historic guard station. The property is managed by Benton County and available for overnight rental through their reservation system.

Directions

From Waldport, Oregon, drive 22 miles east on Highway 34. The campground is located beside the highway.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water
Fires Allowed
Toilets
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed
Showers
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $115

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (541) 766-6521

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile Yes

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