Sunshine Guard Station
Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Roads are maintained for winter access, but parking can be difficult during winter months due to snow.
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
Sunshine Guard Station is a historic Forest Service cabin built in 1936, situated along the scenic Middle Fork John Day River in the Malheur National Forest at an elevation of 3,700 feet. Located approximately 43 miles northeast of John Day, Oregon, this former guard station was used as a bunkhouse and work station for fireguards until the 1990s and is now available for public rental. The cabin accommodates up to 6 guests and provides a remote base camp for outdoor recreation. The Middle Fork John Day River offers fishing opportunities for steelhead and rainbow trout, subject to Oregon State fishing regulations. To the north, hiking trails and back roads lead into the 25,000-acre Vinegar Hill / Indian Rock Scenic Area, which features a 10-mile ridgeline along the summit of the Greenhorn Range. The area showcases diverse geology including serpentine, rhyolite, basalt, granite, and shale outcrops, with opportunities to find agates on rocky slopes. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with elk, deer, and abundant songbirds throughout the area. The guard station is accessible year-round via paved, maintained County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road), though winter snow can make the parking area difficult to access. Guests must be self-sufficient, as the remote location has limited to no cell phone coverage and no nearby services. The cabin has a vault toilet but no water, so visitors must bring all water needed for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Directions
From Prairie City, Oregon, travel east on US Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction with US Highway 7. Turn left on US Highway 7 and travel one mile to the junction with County Road 20 (Middle Fork Road). Turn left and follow County Road 20 approximately 10-13 miles; the guard station will be on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 820-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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