Christmas Creek Ranch
Access and availability information for this remote site is limited. The facility is not listed on Recreation.gov and does not appear to operate as a formal rental cabin. No fees are required. Winter access is essentially impossible due to snow and the site's extreme remoteness. Contact the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest for current conditions.
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.…
Occupancy and Use of Wild and Scenic Snake River Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
Prohibitions on all National Forest System Lands with in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho within a 1/4 mile of the Snake River Between Hells Canyon Dam, river mile 247.5, down stream to the Oregon-Washington boarder at river mile 176.0.
Hells Canyon Wilderness Occupancy and Use
To provide for resource protection, the following acts are prohibited within the Hells Canyon Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: Hitching or tethering of horse(s) or other saddle or pack animal(s) to trees at campsites in the Hells Canyon Wilderness except for the purposes of loading or…
Eagle Cap Wilderness Occupancy and Use
To provide for resource protection, the following acts, listed in the forest order below, are prohibited within the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Snake River Fire Restrictions - 06/01 -09/30
Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.50(a), building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited on all National Forest System Lands (within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, in the State of Oregon and Idaho) within a ¼ mile of the Snake River between Hells Canyon…
Forest Order: Tri-Forest 14-Day Stay Limit
Prohibitions for camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period.
About
Christmas Creek Ranch is a remote historic ranch site situated in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The property was originally homesteaded by Homer Hayes sometime prior to 1913, with ranch buildings likely constructed by the Johnson family in the 1930s. Located along the Snake River corridor on the Oregon side just upstream from Dug Bar, this is one of the most isolated sites in the recreation area. The ranch is classified by the USFS as a "Lookout/Cabin" facility, though it is not currently available through Recreation.gov's reservation system and no fees are required. Visitors should expect primitive conditions and must be entirely self-sufficient. Access is extremely difficult, typically requiring boat travel on the Snake River or lengthy backcountry travel. Winter access is essentially impossible due to snow and terrain. The surrounding Hells Canyon landscape offers dramatic views of North America's deepest river gorge, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking historic trails, and experiencing the remote character of this protected wilderness area. The Hells Canyon Recreation Collaborative performs ongoing maintenance on the site's facilities.
Directions
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 523-6391 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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