Oregon / Jackson County / Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Lodgepole Guard Station

Closed — Closed for 2025 due to water system failure. The water source dried up and is not recharging, requiring significant work to restore functionality.

About

Built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Lodgepole Guard Station sits on 40 acres of cross-fenced pastures dotted with pines and surrounded by towering lodgepole pine on gently rolling hills. The historic guard station replaced the original 1911 station and served as a remote base for early Forest Service crews. During World War II, it acted as base camp for Herb and Zella Wright, a husband and wife lookout team stationed at Blue Rock Lookout who watched for enemy aircraft. The cozy one-story cabin features one bedroom, a large living room with wood stove furnished with log-style furniture, a bathroom with flush toilet and heated shower, and propane heat throughout. The kitchen is fully equipped with a refrigerator and basic cooking utensils, plus a dining nook with table and chairs. The property includes a former bunkhouse used for firewood storage and a barn stable with multiple horse paddocks. The large grassy meadow provides plenty of room for tent camping, accommodating up to three family-sized tents, and the even terrain is perfect for large groups to spread out, camp, horseback ride, hike, mountain bike, or relax. With its extensive horse facilities including water troughs, corrals, and 40 acres of fenced pasture, Lodgepole Guard Station serves as an ideal base camp for equestrian groups. Additional horseback riding trails are a short trailer ride away, including the Alta Lake, Middle Fork, and Seven Lakes Trails leading into the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The diverse landscapes provide habitat for spotted owls, bull elk, and many other wildlife species.

Directions

From Butte Falls, drive east on the Butte Falls - Fish Lake Highway (County Road 821). Less than a mile from town, turn left onto the Butte Falls - Prospect Highway (County Road 992) and travel north 9 miles to Forest Road 34. Turn right, go 5 miles to Forest Road 3400-600 junction. Unlock the gate and travel north/northeast on Forest Road 3400-600 for 1 mile. Turn left through gate and proceed 200 yards to the guard station. Alternative route: From Prospect on Highway 62, turn east onto County Road 992 at the Prospect Hotel, travel approximately 14 miles and turn left on Forest Road 34.

Nearby Campgrounds