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.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 6:03PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 3:24PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 1:46PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory until 4 PM PDT Wednesday. For the Smoke Air Quality Advisory, wildfires burning in the region combined with forecasted conditions will cause air quality to reach unhealthy levels. Pollutants in smoke can cause burning eyes, runny nose, aggravate heart and lung diseases, and aggravate other serious health problems. Limit outdoor activities and keep children indoors if it is smoky. Please follow medical advice if you have a heart or lung condition. For additional information...please visit the Web site at http://www.oregon.gov/DEQ
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
Photos
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