Tamarack Cabin
Closed — Closed for the season. The cabin is available for rent May 15 through November 23. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov. Call the Heppner Ranger District at (541) 676-2111 three to five business days before arrival to receive the cabin access combination.
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.
Timber Harvest Operations on Forest Service Road (FSR) 42
Forest officials advise visitors that timber harvest operations will continue this winter along Forest Service Road (FSR) 42 located on the Pomeroy Ranger District. Depending on the snow levels, one lane may be plowed for logging use.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42 in the Pomeroy Ranger District.
Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake
Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake.
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas.
Mill Creek Municipal Watershed - Walla Walla Ranger District
A special closure area for the Mill Creek Municipal Watershed that prohibits going into or being upon the described area. This closure is in place for the protection of public health and safety.
Asotin Winter Range Closure - Pomeroy Ranger District
The Asotin Winter Range Area Closure prohibits the possession or use of a vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any type of vehicle prohibited on National Forest System Roads within specific boundaries.
Storm Damage Emergency Road Closure - Walla Walla Ranger District
The Storm Damage Emergency Road Closure for the Walla Walla Ranger District includes Forest Service Road (FSR) 3200 from the bridge over the South Fork Umatilla River in T3N R37E S22 to the hairprin turn at Thomas Creek in T2N R37E S13, a distance of approximately 8 miles.
Use of motorized vehicles National Forest System Roads and Trails: Spout Springs Ski Area
The Spout Springs closure area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off Forest System Roads, using a motorized vehicle on Forest System Roads, or using any motorized vehicle on Forest System trails from December 1 to March 31.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Andies Prairie Snow Play Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads within the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area between December 1 and March 31.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System trails between December 1 and
Use of Vehicles National Forest System Roads and Trails: Bluewood Ski Area
Possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads, and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Trails is prohibited within the Bluewood Ski Area.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Meacham Divide Nordic Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Meacham Divide Nordic Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads within the Meacham Divide Nordic Area between December 1 and March 31.
14 Day Stay Limit
Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period is prohibited.
Panjab Trail #3127 bridge temporarily removed
Forest Service Officials have temporarily removed the Panjab Trail #3127 bridge to proactively mitigate potential post-fire debris flows that could damage the bridge this winter or next spring. The area experienced a runoff event in the spring of 2022, which created debris slides down Panja
Over-snow Vehicle Restrictions
ORDER NO. 2012-0614-UMA-01Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.S0(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the area described in this order within the Umatilla National Forest, until further notice.
About
Tamarack Cabin offers outdoor enthusiasts a historic cabin with epic views atop Tamarack Mountain at 4,979 feet elevation. The site was originally used as a fire detection lookout, starting with a platform built on a high tree in 1925. It was replaced with a 96-foot Aermotor tower in 1933, and a neighboring cabin was built to house Forest Service employees. When the cabin burned down in 1966, the utility shed was converted into housing, which is where guests stay today. The tower still stands and may be staffed during summer months. The cozy one-room cabin accommodates up to four guests with two sets of twin bunk beds. It comes equipped with propane lights, a heating stove, and a cook stove, along with cookware, silverware, and dishes. A picnic table and fire pit are located near the cabin for outdoor dining and campfires when fire danger levels permit. From the cabin, a short walk through the trees awards unique opportunities to view miles of the Umatilla National Forest from sunup to sundown, overlooking the John Day River basin between Spray and Kimberly. Over 26 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails on the Heppner Ranger District can be accessed from the cabin. Plentiful fishing opportunities abound in nearby streams and Bull Prairie Lake. Many roads are open to off-road vehicles, and 28 miles of designated trails are available. The area is named after the western larch trees that are particularly plentiful in the Blue and Wallowa Mountains. Wildlife viewing includes western tanagers and dusty flycatchers, while lupine, yarrow, and balsamroot add color to the landscape.
Directions
From Heppner, travel south on Highway 207 for 39 miles through Ruggs, Hardman and past Anson Wright County Park to the junction of Highway 207 and Forest Road 24 (0.1 miles past the Bull Prairie Campground turn-off). Turn left (east) on FR 24 (gravel) and travel 6.5 miles to FR 2407. Turn right (south) on FR 2407 and travel 1.5 miles to FR 040. Travel a half-mile on FR 40 to the cabin, which is on the right before the helipad. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended as the last mile is very steep and rocky.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 676-9187 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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