Front view

Murderers Creek Guard Station

Open

Open for the season from May 6 through November 15. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. No mobile phone coverage at this remote location. Bears may be present; proper food storage required.

Malheur National Forest

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.

Malheur National Forest

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.

Malheur National Forest

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…

About

Murderer's Creek Guard Station offers a unique opportunity to stay in one of the oldest standing buildings on the Malheur National Forest. Built in 1913 as a fire guard station and used by Forest Service officials until the late 1990s, this historic cabin sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation along Forest Road 21, about 32 miles from John Day. The one-room cabin features a futon bed that sleeps two, a table with chairs, and propane-powered amenities including a cook stove, refrigerator, heater, and lights. Basic cookware and tableware are provided. A newer-style vault toilet is located outside, along with an old garage building. There is no water on site, so guests must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and washing. The guard station provides excellent access to outdoor recreation including the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Fields Peak Trail, McClellan Mountain Trail, and Riley Creek Trail. The area is known for wild horses, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Murderer's Creek and the South Fork John Day River offer fishing, though creeks may run dry toward summer's end.

Directions

From John Day, OR, travel approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26 to the junction with Forest Road 21. Turn south (left) on Forest Road 21 and travel 12 miles to the guard station.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed No
Showers No
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) 575-3000

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Front view
Inside the cabin, front entrance (old futon - has been replaced)
Back yard
Side view
View from rear door to front door
Kitchen nook
New futon as of June 2021!
View from west side

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