Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Commissary Cabin - Oregon

Willamette National Forest

History

Built in 1924, the Commissary Cabin is one of the structures within the Fish Lake Remount Depot, which was once a popular rest stop for weary travelers on the old Santiam Wagon Road. The Forest Service used the area to house fire fighters and corral horses. Once Highway 20 was built, the site was no longer needed as a way station, but it is still used by the Forest's horse packer as a resting and re-supplying point between their trips in the Wilderness areas.

Additional cabins and associated structures were built the same year and still remain at the site today. These include a dispatcher's cabin, a supervisor's cabin (Hall House, which is also available for rent), a springhouse shed, a garage/woodshed, and a fire hose shelter.

Description

The chestnut brown log cabin with a wood shingle roof blends in with the towering timbers surrounding it. The two-room cabin features a bedroom and a shared common room and kitchen. Furnishings include a full-size bed, a table and chairs, and a sofa. It is equipped with propane heating and cooking stoves, solar powered lighting, and basic kitchen utensils. There is no potable water and visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located nearby.

Area Attractions & Activities

Enjoy the winter wonderland at numerous nearby Sno-Parks, such as Ray Benson and Hoodoo Ski Area. Marked Nordic ski trails and snowmobile trails are found at the nearby Lava Lake Sno-Park. Seven Sno-Parks constituting the Santiam Pass Winter Recreation area are within a 15 minute drive of the area. Areas around these Sno-Parks offer miles of non-motorized trail opportunities, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Amenities

• Vault Toilet
• Solar Lights
• Propane Heat
• Propane Cook Stove

No additional tent camping is permitted on the site.

Pets

No pets.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

The cabin is located 22 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge. Travel to the junction of Highway 126 and Highway 20. Park at Lava Lake Sno-Park (visitors will need a Sno-Park permit). Because the road to the cabins is not plowed, renters must ski or snowshoe to the cabins using a 0.75 mile trail.