Imnaha Guard Station

About

Imnaha Guard Station is a historic cabin rental nestled in Oregon's Cascade Range at an elevation of 3,800 feet. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this rustic retreat offers a remote escape surrounded by old-growth Douglas-fir, white fir, incense cedar, and ponderosa pine. A notably large 300-year-old Douglas-fir, known as "The Big Tree," towers above the forest canopy nearby. The cabin features a pine-paneled living room with a lava-rock fireplace, a bedroom with a queen-size bed and dresser, a kitchen with sink, refrigerator, propane stove, and countertop, and a bathroom with flush toilet and heated shower. Potable water is available from the faucet. There is no indoor electricity, so guests must bring lanterns or flashlights. Firewood is provided, though supply is not guaranteed. Guests should bring their own cookware, utensils, dishes, sleeping bags, and towels. Imnaha Springs, featuring crystal-clear ice-cold water flowing through yellow monkey flowers and moss, is accessible via a short trail behind the cabin. Popular activities include hiking and birdwatching, with nuthatches, chickadees, Steller's jays, and pileated woodpeckers commonly seen and heard. Sky Lakes Wilderness is a short drive away, accessible from Blue Canyon and Alta Lake Trailheads.

Directions

From Butte Falls, drive east on Butte Falls-Fish Lake Highway (County Road 821). Less than a mile from town, turn left onto Butte Falls-Prospect Highway (County Road 992) and travel north 9 miles to Forest Road 34. Turn right, go 8 miles on FR 34 to its junction with Forest Road 37. Travel north/northeast on FR 37 for 4.5 miles to the Imnaha Campground turnoff and continue through the campground to find the cabin.