Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab
Open for reservations May 15 through November 23. Water system is currently non-operational; visitors must bring their own drinking and washing water. Fire pit use is subject to current fire danger levels. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.
Air Quality Alert issued August 5 at 2:33PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until further notice. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. An Air Quality Advisory for elevated levels of ozone pollution, or smog, is in effect for Hermiston in Umatilla County. Ozone pollution is expected to reach levels that could be unhealthy for sensitive groups, including children, pregnant people, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions. DEQ expected the Air Quality Advisory to last until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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.
About
Ditch Creek Guard Station is a classic example of CCC-era forest architecture, originally constructed to house fireguards who patrolled the forest interior on horseback watching for smoke from lightning strikes. The cabin became a recreation rental in 1997 and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The one-story cabin sits on a large, flat lawn near Ditch Creek, surrounded by dense pine forest. It features a bedroom with two twin bunk beds, a living room with futon, loveseat, and propane heating stove, a full bathroom with flush toilet and shower, and an equipped kitchen with propane refrigerator and cook stove. All lighting and appliances run on propane, which is provided. Guests must bring their own bedding, food, toiletries, and garbage bags as this is a pack-in/pack-out facility. The surrounding area offers over 26 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails between 4,100 and 5,300 feet elevation. Fishing is available at nearby Penland Lake, Bull Prairie Lake, and local streams. A small stocked pond sits adjacent to the property. Deer and elk frequent the area, and bats can be observed at dusk.
Directions
From Heppner, Oregon: Travel south on Highway 207 to the edge of town. Turn left up the hill onto Willow Creek Road toward Willow Creek Dam. Continue 23 miles past Willow Creek Lake, Cutsforth County Park, and up Coalmine Hill. At the top of Coalmine Hill, take a right onto Forest Service Road 21 (County Road 603) and continue 3.5 miles. The guard station is on a hill on the north side of the road, accessed by Forest Service Roads 050 and 051.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 676-9187 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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