Deer Creek Guard Station Cabin
Closed — Closed for the season. The cabin operates from May through November. End-of-season closure dates are weather dependent and may occur earlier due to snow 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.
Malheur Falls Post Fire Hazards Closure
Prohibitions1. Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).2. Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54(c) and (e).
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
From Recreation.gov
End-of-season dates are weather dependent and could close sooner if conditions permit.
About
Deer Creek Guard Station is a historic three-room cabin built in 1956 as a work station for fireguards who monitored and extinguished fires before satellite surveillance systems existed. Located approximately 31 miles from John Day in central Oregon's Malheur National Forest, the cabin sits at 5,100 feet elevation in a quiet, off-the-beaten-path location surrounded by Douglas fir and ponderosa pine trees. The rustic cabin comfortably accommodates up to six guests and is equipped with modern conveniences powered by propane. The living room features a Murphy bed, propane fireplace, couch, and chair. The dining area includes a full futon bed and table with four chairs, while a separate small bedroom contains a log bunk bed. The kitchen is fully equipped with a propane stove, propane refrigerator, ample counter space, and all necessary cookware and utensils. The entire cabin is illuminated by propane lights. An accessible vault toilet is located near the cabin, and a picnic table and fire ring sit next to perennial Deer Creek. The area offers excellent opportunities for big game hunting, fishing for steelhead and redband trout in Deer Creek and South Fork John Day River, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Guests can observe wild horses, elk, black bears, deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Spring and summer bring abundant wildflowers. The facility grounds are accessible by vehicle via forest service roads, though the cabin is in a remote location with no mobile phone coverage.
Directions
From John Day, Oregon, travel south on Highway 395 approximately 17 miles to County Road 63 (Izee Highway). Turn right and follow County Road 63 to the junction of Forest Service Road 24. Turn right on Forest Road 24 and travel approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 514. Travel about 1/4 mile staying to your right until you reach the locked gate that allows entry to the facility grounds.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 820-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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