OutReserve

Tamarack Cabin

Looking down on green grass and forest covered ridge lines from a rocky high point.
Tamarack Cabin
Tamarack
Tamarack Cabin
comfortable and quiet

About Tamarack Cabin

Tamarack Cabin offers outdoor enthusiasts a quaint cabin with epic views atop Tamarack Mountain. The cabin can accommodate four guests, and a short walk through the trees awards a unique opportunity to view miles of the Umatilla National Forest from sunup to sundown. The site was originally used as a fire detection lookout. The original structure was a platform built on a high tree in 1925. It was replaced with a 96-foot Aermotor tower in 1933, and a neighboring cabin was built to house Forest Service employees. A utility shed was also built. When the cabin burnt down in 1966, the shed was converted into housing. That same shed is where guests can stay today. The tower is also still standing, and when the tower is staffed, visitors are welcome to climb up and enjoy the view.

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 TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
4 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$40.00
/ per night

Reviews (23)

What Guests Are Saying

Tamarack Cabin offers a clean, well-maintained environment with stunning views and a beautiful location, ideal for hiking. Guests appreciate the attentive service from Jody and the cozy atmosphere, even during inclement weather. However, access can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles due to rough terrain, and weekends may attract larger crowds.

Review Summary

4.9
23 reviews
5
91.3%
21
4
4.3%
1
3
4.3%
1
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Victoria h

Verified

July 27, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

Such an amazing cabin with an incredible view! We were able to drive up in my Honda HRV without any issues and enjoyed the solitude. We climbed the tower and talked with Sarah, who is an amazing human being. My only complaint is I didn’t book it for longer than one night!

Rod A

Verified

June 24, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

Cabin was spotless! Great job preparing for us! And there were new utensils and tableware. Jody came the next day and cleaned the pit toilet cleaner than we've ever seen it. And air fresheners too! The new tower firewatch is great! Great personality! Tip: Plan ahead for lack of local water availability. Our best of 5 visits to Tamarack to date.

Suzette G

Verified

June 13, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

This is the place for rest and relaxation. We stayed for two nights and didn’t travel away from our little piece of heaven other than to take walks and ride our bikes on the roads near the cabin. The wild flowers were in bloom, and we spent a lot of time reading. Remember, it is a cabin in the woods, so there are insects and mice. We didn’t have any problems but keep your food packed up at night.

GAIL K

Verified

June 24, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

One of our favorite places

Sydney B

Verified

May 31, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

3

Beautiful area and views! The cabin was clean and in such good shape! Mornings and evenings were incredibly peaceful. There were visitors to the lookout tower next to the cabin fairly often even on a weekday, so don’t expect solitude for long. There was a lot of noise from visitors and people would climb the tower and even throw things off of it. People would also hang out right outside. I’m not from the area so didn’t expect it to be such a popular spot to visit. The roads were easy to navigate and signage was clear! Google map coordinates take you right there. Last thing! My dog got into several rib bones, so please clean up after yourself even if it’s food scraps.

Cassaundra W

Verified

May 26, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

Great experience! Lots of items for use in the cabin (including a coffee percolator!) definitely made the trip amazing. Great memories made! Will return if able. 11/10

Sharon T

Verified

December 5, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

I loved the price of this cabin. The smallness of it was not an issue for us. Interesting area. What is up with all the grave markers? We were not expecting those!

George g

Verified

November 27, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

So glad someone canceled, cute little cabin on the hill with surrounding views and a few good games

Brad L

Verified

October 11, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

The cabin has a great view, it's a good space to stay in, and the heater works very well. As far as backcountry roads go they are in very good condition.

Zi Z

Verified

September 1, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN

5

Google Maps has this lookout marked and forest roads work well with the navigation! Rocky and largely undeveloped final mile. You are rewarded with a secluded spot and a personal protector! The ranger on duty came in the evening so we mostly had the spot to ourselves. We climbed up the fire tower, but alas, the actual lookout was locked. Very clean restroom, bring a headlamp and maybe an extra lantern. Be sure to wipe things down before you go!

Location Tamarack Cabin

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

Latitude & Longitude: 44.8734 / -119.662

Elevation: 1517 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

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

General

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

General

The cabin is now provided with a small refrigerator and freezer. A cooler with ice is still recommended for those longer stayes. If additional ice is needed it can be purchased from the Morrow County OHV Park.

General

Please call the Heppner Ranger District office at (541) 676-9187 prior to arrival to check on weather and fire conditions and road access.

General

This is a high cliff area; please exercise caution, especially with children.

General

The last mile to the cabin is steep and rocky; a high clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.

General

Campfires are generally prohibited July - September; please check with the Ranger District for updated fire restrictions.

General

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

General

Pets are welcome but horses and other stock are not allowed.

General

For current fire restrictions and closures, 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

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

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