Tamarack Cabin
The cabin opens May 15 for the 2026 season and operates through November 23. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Call Heppner Ranger District at least three business days before arrival to obtain 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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
RFEI for Potential Future Campground Concession Opportunities - Walla Walla Ranger District
The Umatilla National Forest has prepared a Request for Expressed Interest (RFEI) to determine levels of interest in potential future campground concession opportunities on the Walla Walla Ranger District. Sites include Jubilee Lake Campground and Day Use Area, Target Meadows Campground, Woodland…
Forest Service Road (FSR) 4712 Temporary Road Closure
Forest Service Road (FSR) 4712 will be temporarily closed in its entirety, including Ladybug Campground, Tucannon Trailhead, and 4713 rock pit. This closure will be in place May 19 to June 5, 2026 for flood repair work including road surface improvements, erosion and sediment control, bank…
Forest Service Road (FSR) 47 Road Closure Revision
Forest Service Road 47 at the Junction of the Tucannon Fish Hatchery to Mile Post 31, including Lower Tucannon Campground, Tucannon Campground and Tucannon Guard Station temporarily closed due to flood damage.
Use of Vehicles - Asotin Winter Ranger Closure
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.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Meacham Divide Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Meacham Divide Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Andies Prairie Snow Play Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Spout Springs Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Spout Springs Ski area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Bluewood Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Bluewood Ski Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads (FSR) 40 and 42 on the Pomeroy Ranger District. This Forest Order is effective September 4, 2025, through August 31, 2027.
Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake
Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake. This Forest Order is effective August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2028.
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas
Prohibitions for occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas including storing equipment, personal property or supplies, possessing or using a wagon, cart or other vehicles, riding, and more. This Forest Order is effective August 21, 2025, through August 31, 2027
Spout Springs Ski Area Information
Spout Springs Ski Area will be closed for the 2025-2026 season. The Forest Service is looking for an operator to provide professional management and operational oversight at Spout Springs. The operator will be responsible for all aspects of resort management, including but not limited to: hiring…
Mill Creek Municipal Watershed Closure Area
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. This Forest Order is effective November 19, 2024, through November 19, 2026.
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. This Forest Order is effective July 14, 2023, through July 20, 2026.
Over-snow Vehicle Restrictions
Prohibitions on over-snow vehicle restrictions including operating or possessing an over-snow vehicle with a body width greater than 60 inches, operating an over-snow vehicle on Forest Service system roads or trails located on the Umatilla NF from April 1st to December 31st, and operating an…
About
Tamarack Cabin offers a unique overnight experience in a piece of fire lookout history. Originally a utility shed built alongside a 96-foot Aermotor tower in 1933, it was converted to guest housing after the original lookout cabin burned down in 1966. The cabin sits at 4,979 feet atop Tamarack Mountain, providing sweeping views of the Umatilla National Forest and the John Day River basin between Spray and Kimberly. The single-room cabin accommodates up to four guests in two sets of twin bunk beds. Amenities include propane lights, a heating stove, cook stove, refrigerator, and cookware with dishes. A picnic table and fire pit are located outside, though campfires are generally prohibited July through September due to fire danger. A vault toilet is nearby. There is no water on site, so bring plenty for drinking, cooking, and washing. Over 26 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails are accessible from the cabin. Bull Prairie Lake offers fishing nearby, and 28 miles of designated OHV trails are available. The historic lookout tower is still standing; when staffed by Oregon Department of Forestry, visitors can climb up to enjoy the view and learn about wildfire detection.
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 half a mile on FR 040 to the cabin. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended as the last mile is very steep and rocky.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| 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
| sm.fs.umainquiries@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 676-9187 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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