Short Creek Guard Station

Closed — Closed for the season. Open June through October only. Water and bathroom facilities are shut off from early October until late May to prevent freezing.

About

Short Creek Guard Station rests in a corner of a small meadow surrounded by tall ponderosa pines at 5,000 feet elevation, with a creek running alongside the property. This rustic rental cabin features three rooms including a kitchen/living room, private bedroom with one queen bed, and a bathroom. The kitchen is equipped with propane appliances including a cookstove, refrigerator, lights, and heater. During summer months, the cabin provides indoor plumbing with a flush toilet, shower, and drinking water from a hand pump. The guard station serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the nearby Monument Rock and Strawberry Mountain wilderness areas, as well as the adjacent North Fork Malheur Scenic River. The area offers diverse recreation including hiking on over a hundred miles of wilderness trails, fishing, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife in the area includes elk, deer, antelope, black bears, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species. Outdoor amenities include a picnic table, two barbecue grills, and a fire pit under the shade of tall ponderosa pines. The location is remote with no mobile phone coverage, approximately 20 miles from Prairie City via Forest Road 13. Guests must bring their own bedding, towels, garbage bags, and cleaning supplies. Access is via a locked gate with combination provided upon reservation.

Directions

From Prairie City, turn south onto South Main Street. Follow to the junction with Bridge Street and turn left. Follow Bridge Street past the cemetery where it becomes County Road 62. Continue on County Road 62 approximately 7 miles to Forest Road 13. Turn left and follow Forest Road 13 East approximately 16.5 miles. The guard station will be on the right at the junction of Forest Road 13 and Forest Road 16.

Nearby Campgrounds