Oregon / Jackson County / Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Imnaha Guard Station

Closed — Closed for the season due to snow. Road access is typically available only from late spring through early fall depending on snow conditions.

About

Imnaha Guard Station is a historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabin built in 1939, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 3,800 feet elevation in Oregon's Cascade Range, this small rustic cottage serves as an outstanding example of Depression-era CCC construction. The cabin is surrounded by old-growth forest including Douglas-fir, white fir, incense cedar, and several species of pine. A notable 300-year-old Douglas-fir known as "The Big Tree" towers nearby. The guard station features a living room with lava-rock fireplace, bedroom with full-size bed, bathroom with flush toilet and shower, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The facility comfortably sleeps 4 occupants. Propane powers the heater, stove, and refrigerator, and potable water is available from the faucet. The cabin has no indoor lighting, so guests must bring lanterns or flashlights. Imnaha Springs flows just up a trail behind the cabin, producing crystal-clear, ice-cold water that forms rivulets through yellow monkey flowers and moss. The area offers excellent birdwatching with nuthatches, chickadees, Steller's jays, varied thrush, and pileated woodpeckers. Sky Lakes Wilderness is accessible via nearby Blue Canyon and Alta Lake trailheads, and the Lower South Fork trail system is also close by. Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake Resort, and the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway are among the nearby attractions.

Directions

From Prospect, OR, at the Prospect Hotel turn east onto the Butte Falls-Prospect Highway (County Road 992), travel 2-3 miles and take a left onto Forest Road 37, which continues south to Imnaha Campground turn-off. Continue through the campground to find the cabin. From Butte Falls, drive east on County Road 821, turn left onto County Road 992 and travel 9 miles to Forest Road 34. Turn right, go 8 miles to Forest Road 37 junction. Travel north/northeast on Forest Road 37 for 4.5 miles to Imnaha Campground turn-off. Wheeled-vehicle access is possible only from late spring through early fall.

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