OutReserve

Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab

White cabin in meadow with rail fence and pine trees
Closing for winter
DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION
Ditch Creek Cabin
Comforts of home

About Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab

Ditch Creek Guard Station, located about 27 miles southeast of Heppner, Oregon, is a comfortable little cabin that accommodates six overnight guests, with additional space for tent camping outside. Equestrian campers are welcome and a corral with trough is provided. The guard station was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. It is a classic example of forest structures of that era and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It was used by forest fireguards who would ride their horses deep into the forest’s interior to look for wisps of smoke from lightning strikes or to check on communications lines along Forest Service roads. It became a recreation rental in 1997.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 8

Sites & Availability

1 Site Available

Site
Price
🏠 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$50.00
/ per night

Reviews (18)

What Guests Are Saying

The Ditch Creek Guard Station Cabin offers a charming and rustic getaway, featuring comfortable furniture, a propane stove, and a refrigerator. While it lacks running water, nearby springs are available for water needs, and the cabin provides a peaceful environment for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking and stargazing. Some minor downsides include occasional critter noises and insects outside, but overall, guests appreciate the solitude and historical ambiance of the location.

Review Summary

4.0
18 reviews
5
33.3%
6
4
50.0%
9
3
5.6%
1
2
5.6%
1
1
5.6%
1

Jeff D

Verified

November 26, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

4

Very fun and neat old cabin. Beautiful scenery surrounding. The staff had the place well stocked with why we needed including water since it was shut off In late November when we were there. Would definitely come back

Elizabeth B

Verified

June 24, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

Excellent. Had the best time. Kitchen is stocked well, and nice to have a stove and refrigerator.
The surrounding area and the near by lake were great.
Can't wait to come back.
New fridge and pull out couch makes it very comfortable.

Richard M

Verified

June 18, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

4

Small cozy cabin in shaded area away from the dusty road. Kitchen is well stocked with cooking gear. All appliances work well. Three miles from Lake Penland. The hide-a-bed couch is a typical uncomfortable hide-a-bed bed! We will return, but please repair the running water problem.

Chris S

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

4

I went late in the season (10-28-2019) and had some nice hikes around the cabin and surrounding area. Everything in the cabin worked fine though heater may have difficulty if it gets real cold (was in teens when I was there) and it only heats living room (which has a futon for sleeping). Note: water is only supplied through 10-1 (I believe) and fortunately I didn't trust the local NFS office when they said running water would be there when I was there (fortunately I brought my own). There is water for the indoor toilet 100 yards up the road which didn't freeze (but I wouldn't drink it without purifying it). It's a fine cabin with a good road into it and a number of hikes within easy driving to the trailheads.

I enjoyed the hike to Little Bald Mtn. but didn't get to do any fishing (too cold). Lake Penland looks like it's worth a try, just a couple of miles drive from the cabin.

Lance B

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

Four of us spent a week at the cabin during the first part of November 2019. The cabin was warm and comfortable for all of us. We planned ahead and brought water for drinking as well as toilet flushing as the water is shut off this time of year.

We brought plenty of cooking supplies as we weren't sure what was available. There were several cooking utensils, dishes, cutlery and silverware but we brought our own just in case. Lots of hiking in the area on marked trails. Fishing is available at Penland Lake. Great family experience. We look forward to staying in the cabin again.

If you use the propane oven just be aware that it runs very hot! Tough to regulate the temperature but still able to be used if you keep track of the temperature.

Gail H

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

5

I'm happy with everything, I always have a great experience.

Colleen G

Verified

January 10, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

4

Had a great time!

Tobin F

Verified

December 18, 2019 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DITCH CREEK GUARD STATION CAB

1

Cabin DID NOT have running water so consequently there was no bathroom, shower or hot water. Refrigerator did not work. Since there was no water it had not been cleaned, dishes were not washed, place was a mess. Carpenter ants are destroying the cabin, sawdust from their chewing everywhere. I definitely would not recommend renting this cabin!

Location Ditch Creek Guard Station Cab

Address:
P.O. Box 7
Heppner, OR, 97836
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 45.119 / -119.347

Elevation: 1424 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

We apologize, There is currently no water to the cabin. Updates will posted.

General

There is no camping allowed on the upper section of the property near or around the pumphouse.

General

Entry to the cabin is by combination lock. The combination will be provided on the reservation confirmation letter.

General

Check in 2:00 PM Check out 11:00 AM

General

To check on weather conditions and road access prior to arrival, please call the Heppner Ranger District at (541) 676-9187.

General

Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack in-pack out' facility.

General

Parking is limited; please minimize the number of RVs and vehicles at the cabin.

General

Hay brought to this facility must be certified weed-free.

General

Use of the outside fire ring may be restricted due to fire conditions. For current fire restrictions and closures, call the Ranger Station or click here .

General

Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

General

The maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.

General

For additional information and road conditions please contact the Recreation Department at the Heppner Ranger District (541-676-2155).

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