Caretakers Cabin
Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Potable water and indoor plumbing are available June through September only. October through May, guests must bring their own water and use the outhouse. Winter access from Pendleton (FSR 52) is not maintained; only the Baker City route is plowed.
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.…
RFEI for Potential Future Campground Concession Opportunities - Walla Walla Ranger District
The Umatilla National Forest has prepared a Request for Expressed Interest (RFEI) to determine levels of interest in potential future campground concession opportunities on the Walla Walla Ranger District. Sites include Jubilee Lake Campground and Day Use Area, Target Meadows Campground, Woodland…
Forest Service Road (FSR) 4712 Temporary Road Closure
Forest Service Road (FSR) 4712 will be temporarily closed in its entirety, including Ladybug Campground, Tucannon Trailhead, and 4713 rock pit. This closure will be in place May 19 to June 5, 2026 for flood repair work including road surface improvements, erosion and sediment control, bank…
Forest Service Road (FSR) 47 Road Closure Revision
Forest Service Road 47 at the Junction of the Tucannon Fish Hatchery to Mile Post 31, including Lower Tucannon Campground, Tucannon Campground and Tucannon Guard Station temporarily closed due to flood damage.
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.
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
Caretaker's Cabin offers a unique lodging experience at the historic Fremont Powerhouse site in the Umatilla National Forest. This two-story cabin was constructed in the 1930s to shelter workers who monitored the pipeline and kept the powerhouse operating. The entire site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the mining-era Fremont Powerhouse Historic District. The cabin accommodates up to 10 guests across two upstairs bedrooms with twin beds and full-over-queen bunk beds, plus two futons in the parlor. The fully equipped kitchen includes a refrigerator, electric stove/oven, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, cookware, and dishes. A dining room seats 10. Electric wall heaters and lights are provided. From June through September, the cabin has a flush toilet and claw-footed bathtub with hot water; during winter months (October through May), guests use an outhouse and must bring their own water. The cabin is one of four rentals at the Fremont Powerhouse site, making it ideal for large group gatherings such as reunions or weddings. Nearby attractions include Olive Lake for fishing and swimming, hiking in the North Fork John Day Wilderness, and the ghost town of Granite. Winter access may require snowmobiles, skis, or snowshoes, and the Baker City route is the only plowed winter access.
Directions
From Pendleton: Travel south on Highway 395 for 50 miles to the Ukiah exit. Turn left on Highway 244 to Ukiah, then right just before the city park onto Forest Service Road 52. Travel 50 miles to Granite. From Granite, go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. At the junction where the main road veers left, turn right uphill on FSR 10 and follow signs to Fremont Powerhouse. Note: FSR 52 is not maintained October through May. From Baker City: Travel west on Highway 7 for 20 miles to FSR 73, proceed north through Sumpter and 17 miles to Granite, then follow County Road 24 and FSR 10 as above. This route is plowed in winter.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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 | $80 |
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
Photos
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