Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Ditch Creek Guard Station - Oregon

Umatilla National Forest

History

Ditch Creek Guard Station was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 or 1935. The cabin is a classic example of building construction by CCC crews on the Umatilla National Forest. It is located at an elevation of 4,800 feet above sea level near Ditch Creek, one of numerous small perennial streams that flow south into the North Fork John Day River. The building complex is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Description

The cabin, set on a large, flat lawn, is a one-story building containing a bedroom, living room, and a kitchen with nook. The bedroom is furnished with two bunk beds (with foam pads) and a dresser, and the living room is comfortably furnished with a table and four chairs, two easy chairs and a heating stove. The kitchen is well equipped with a refrigerator, cook stove, fire extinguisher, cookware, silverware and dishes. The nook features two additional chairs and a small table.

All appliances and lighting are propane, which is provided by the Forest Service. The site is currently experiencing problems and water may not be available with the exception of the flush toilet. There is a water heater and a utility closet in the entrance area with a mop, broom, and cleaning supplies.

Visitors using the cabin during the winter months must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. The toilet may be flushed with water from snow melt or the creek. Antifreeze is provided for visitors to put in the toilet after use.

A picnic table and a fire pit are located near the cabin for outdoor dining and campfires. (The fire pit may only be used during acceptable fire danger levels; inquire at the District Office prior to arrival). Horses are allowed and the site features a 20 x 20 foot horse corral.

Area Attractions & Activities

Over 26 miles of trails throughout the Heppner Ranger District can be accessed from the cabin for hiking or horseback riding. Plentiful fishing opportunities abound in streams throughout the District, as well as at Penland Lake (electric motors only) and Bull Prairie Lake (no motors allowed). The West End Off-Highway Vehicle Area (FS Rd 22 west) consists of over 91,000 acres open to Class I and III All Terrain Vehicles. Morrow County OHV Park is also located 14 miles southwest. Other activities include hunting, wildlife viewing (deer and elk are often seen in the area), bird watching (particularly hawks) and enjoying the scenery. As evening falls, watch bats flit and swoop above the yard as they feast on insects buzzing around.

Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The local snowmobile club takes on the responsibility of grooming 110 of the 173 miles of road designated for snowmobiling.

Amenities

• Indoor Plumbing (check with District Office for water availability)
• Flush Toilet (summer only)
• Horse Corral
• Refrigerator
• Oven
• Stove
• Propane Heat
• Lights

There is additional space in the yard for tent camping.

Pets

Pets are welcome.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From West I-84 take Highway 74 to Lexington/Heppner. Drive 45 miles through the towns of Ione and Lexington to Heppner. Continue south, on Highway 207. Just outside the southern limits of Heppner, take a left (east) on Willow Creek Road (paved). Travel 23 miles past Willow Creek Lake, Cutsforth County Park, and up Coalmine Hill. At the top of the hill, Forest Service Road (FSR) 21 joins Willow Creek Road. The route from I-84 to this junction is also part of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway and is periodically marked with signs indicating it as such. Take a right (west) on FSR 21 (gravel) and travel 3.5 miles. The cabin is located on a hill on the north side of the road and is accessed by two short entrance roads (FSR 050 and 051).

Automobile access to the cabin runs from mid-May to mid-November. The upper portion of Willow Creek Road and FSR 21 are not plowed during the winter, so the closest parking may be 5.5 miles away at Cutsforth County Park. From this point, access to the cabin will require alternate transportation such as skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles.