Clearwater Big House
Closed — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Automobile access typically available mid-June through late October. Winter access requires snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes from Rose Spring Sno-Park.
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.
Timber Harvest Operations on Forest Service Road (FSR) 42
Forest officials advise visitors that timber harvest operations will continue this winter along Forest Service Road (FSR) 42 located on the Pomeroy Ranger District. Depending on the snow levels, one lane may be plowed for logging use.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42 in the Pomeroy Ranger District.
Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake
Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake.
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas.
Mill Creek Municipal Watershed - Walla Walla Ranger District
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.
Asotin Winter Range Closure - Pomeroy Ranger District
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.
Storm Damage Emergency Road Closure - Walla Walla Ranger District
The Storm Damage Emergency Road Closure for the Walla Walla Ranger District includes Forest Service Road (FSR) 3200 from the bridge over the South Fork Umatilla River in T3N R37E S22 to the hairprin turn at Thomas Creek in T2N R37E S13, a distance of approximately 8 miles.
Use of motorized vehicles National Forest System Roads and Trails: Spout Springs Ski Area
The Spout Springs closure area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off Forest System Roads, using a motorized vehicle on Forest System Roads, or using any motorized vehicle on Forest System trails from December 1 to March 31.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Andies Prairie Snow Play Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads within the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area between December 1 and March 31.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System trails between December 1 and
Use of Vehicles National Forest System Roads and Trails: Bluewood Ski Area
Possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads, and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Trails is prohibited within the Bluewood Ski Area.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Meacham Divide Nordic Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Meacham Divide Nordic Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads within the Meacham Divide Nordic Area between December 1 and March 31.
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.
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 Panja
Over-snow Vehicle Restrictions
ORDER NO. 2012-0614-UMA-01Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.S0(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the area described in this order within the Umatilla National Forest, until further notice.
About
Clearwater Big House Cabin is a historic two-story rental facility located at 5,600 feet elevation in Umatilla National Forest. Built in 1928-29 by Ranger Grover Blake from donated scrap lumber, the site later expanded when 200 Civilian Conservation Corps workers constructed additional structures in 1933. The cabin provides 1,204 square feet of total living space with three bedrooms, a living room, and kitchen, accommodating up to 10 guests. The cabin is fully furnished with propane heating and lighting, a propane cook stove and refrigerator, dining table and chairs, and multiple beds. A vault toilet is located nearby and operational year-round. Visitors must bring their own water supply for all needs, as well as sleeping bags or bedding and cooking utensils. The setting offers a winter chalet atmosphere year-round, surrounded by young conifers on gently rolling terrain. Summer access via automobile runs from mid-June through late October depending on snow conditions. Winter visitors park at Rose Spring Sno-Park and travel approximately 5.5 miles by snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes on mostly groomed trails. Nearby recreation includes hiking and horseback trails to Teal Springs and the Tucannon River Drainage, scenic drives, and access to the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. The Clearwater Lookout Tower is one mile away.
Directions
From Pomeroy, take 15th Street south for approximately 17 miles until the pavement ends at the forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 40 for 7 miles to Clearwater Junction where the fire lookout is located. Turn left onto FSR 42 for 0.25 mile, then turn right into the Clearwater Guard Station area. The rental cabin is the two-story building. Winter access: Park at Rose Spring Sno-Park and travel 5.5 miles via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes on mostly groomed trails.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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 | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 843-1891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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