Lodgepole Guard Station

About

The guard station at Lodgepole Meadow was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps to replace the original 1911 station, serving as a remote outpost for early Forest Service crews. During WWII, it acted as base camp for Herb and Zella Wright, a husband-and-wife lookout team who spent winters watching for enemy aircraft from Blue Rock Lookout. Today, this outstanding example of CCC Pacific Northwest architecture welcomes visitors seeking a unique camping experience. The one-story cabin features a bedroom with full-size bed, living room with futon and wood stove, bathroom with flush toilet and hot shower, and a kitchen equipped with propane refrigerator, stove, and basic cooking utensils. Propane heat keeps the cabin warm, though there is no electrical lighting so guests must bring lanterns or flashlights. The 40-acre property includes cross-fenced pastures, a barn with stables and horse paddocks, and ample tent camping space in the yard. Horse enthusiasts will find this an ideal base camp, with additional riding trails a short trailer ride away including the Alta Lake, Middle Fork, and Seven Lakes Trails leading into the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The rolling hills and diverse landscapes provide habitat for spotted owls, bull elk, salamanders, and salmon. Nearby attractions include Diamond Lake Resort, Crater Lake National Park, Lost Creek Lake, and Mount McLoughlin.

Directions

From Butte Falls, OR, 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 on Forest Road 34 to its junction with Forest Road 3400-600. Unlock the gate and travel north/northeast on Forest Road 3400-600 for 1 mile. Turn left through the gate and proceed 200 yards to the guard station. Alternative route: From Prospect, OR, turn east onto County Road 992 at the Prospect Hotel, travel approximately 14 miles, and turn left on Forest Road 34.