Murderers Creek Guard Station
Closed — Closed for the season. The guard station operates May through November and is available for reservation through Recreation.gov.
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.
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.
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.
Malheur Falls Post Fire Hazards Closure
Prohibitions1. Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).2. Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54(c) and (e).
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
About
Murderer's Creek Guard Station stands as one of the oldest buildings on the Malheur National Forest, built in 1913 and used by Forest Service officials until the late 1990s. Named after a group of prospectors allegedly murdered in the area in the 1860s, this historic cabin now offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience backcountry lodging with modern conveniences. The one-room cabin is equipped with propane-powered heat, lights, a cook stove, and refrigerator, and comes furnished with a futon bed for two, table and chairs, and basic cookware and tableware. An old garage building and RV parking space are included with the rental. Situated at approximately 5,000 feet elevation about 32 miles from John Day, the guard station is surrounded by open meadows and mixed conifer forests dominated by ponderosa pine. Murderer's Creek runs along the southern base of Aldrich Mountain near the cabin. The area provides excellent access to hiking trails including the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Fields Peak Trail, McClellan Mountain Trail, and Riley Creek Trail. The 26-acre Cedar Grove Botanical Area features abundant wildflowers on the northeast slope of Aldrich Mountain. The region is known for its wild horses and diverse wildlife including mule deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, bear, and cougar. Fishing is available in Murderer's Creek and South Fork John Day, though area creeks typically run dry by late summer. The location offers excellent bird watching and hunting opportunities. Guests must bring all their own drinking, cooking, and washing water as no water is available on site.
Directions
From John Day, 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. From Burns, travel north on Highway 395 approximately 55 miles to County Road 63. Turn left on County Road 63 to the junction of Forest Service Road 21. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 21 and travel approximately 16 miles to the guard station.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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