GAIL K
VerifiedMay 22, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Our favorite cabin ever
Helpful
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.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Birding
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Birding
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
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 open - May 8 to Nov 1
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Pet friendly
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Views and Setting
- View
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001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
🏠
Cabin
- 4 guests
- Pet Friendly
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Accessible
Reviews
73 reviews
Summary
Tamarack Cabin offers stunning views and a clean, well-maintained environment, making it a favorite among visitors. Guests enjoyed cozy stays with adequate amenities and appreciated the natural beauty surrounding the area, including opportunities for hiking and wildlife sightings. Some challenges include access requiring a high-clearance vehicle and occasional crowds visiting the lookout, but overall experiences were positive.
Based on guest feedback
4.9
Overall rating
Based on 73 reviews
5 stars
91.8% (67)
4 stars
4.1% (3)
3 stars
4.1% (3)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 73 reviews
Verified Only
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GAIL K
VerifiedMay 22, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Our favorite cabin ever
Helpful
Rod A
VerifiedOctober 11, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Great visit! Jody left it spic and span and we enjoyed the new fridge! Wonderful views and great weather.
Helpful
Rod A
VerifiedOctober 11, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Great visit! Jody left it spic and span and we enjoyed the new fridge! Wonderful views and great weather.
Helpful
Rod A
VerifiedOctober 11, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Great visit! Jody left it spic and span and we enjoyed the new fridge! Wonderful views and great weather.
Helpful
patrica b
VerifiedJanuary 4, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
The lookout tower was operational during my visit. The staff member working the tower was wonderful to speak with during my stay. I hope they do not replace the staffing of the tower with 'cameras.' Staffing a tower can act as an interpret link to the visiting guest.
Helpful
patrica b
VerifiedJanuary 4, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
The lookout tower was operational during my visit. The staff member working the tower was wonderful to speak with during my stay. I hope they do not replace the staffing of the tower with 'cameras.' Staffing a tower can act as an interpret link to the visiting guest.
Helpful
patrica b
VerifiedJanuary 4, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
The lookout tower was operational during my visit. The staff member working the tower was wonderful to speak with during my stay. I hope they do not replace the staffing of the tower with 'cameras.' Staffing a tower can act as an interpret link to the visiting guest.
Helpful
Mariah H
VerifiedAugust 30, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Such a great spot! The price is absolutely worth it, and I'm happy the fees keep the cabin so nice! It was well stocked with cooking supplies. We made it there just fine in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll want a vehicle with some clearance! The scenery is gorgeous and the weather was awesome! We had a rainy day in the cabin (no leaks, woohoo!), even got to use the heater! So relaxing away from busy life :) and I LOVED that there were some cows roaming around! Also if you go on a little hike, you'll find a muddy spring with frogs and tadpoles nearby!! We'll absolutely stay again! Bathroom was clean and stocked! Also, we didn't go up, but the lookout tower was staffed!
Helpful
Mariah H
VerifiedAugust 30, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Such a great spot! The price is absolutely worth it, and I'm happy the fees keep the cabin so nice! It was well stocked with cooking supplies. We made it there just fine in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll want a vehicle with some clearance! The scenery is gorgeous and the weather was awesome! We had a rainy day in the cabin (no leaks, woohoo!), even got to use the heater! So relaxing away from busy life :) and I LOVED that there were some cows roaming around! Also if you go on a little hike, you'll find a muddy spring with frogs and tadpoles nearby!! We'll absolutely stay again! Bathroom was clean and stocked! Also, we didn't go up, but the lookout tower was staffed!
Helpful
Location & Directions for Tamarack Cabin
P.O Box 7, Heppner, OR 97836 United States
Elevation: 1,517 ft
Getting There
From Lexington, OR, take Highway 74/207 east to Heppner. Continue south, on Highway 207. At the junction in Heppner, bear right to continue south on Highway 207 for 39 mi through Heppner, Ruggs, Hardman and past Anson Wright County Park to the jun...
From Lexington, OR, take Highway 74/207 east to Heppner. Continue south, on Highway 207. At the junction in Heppner, bear right to continue south on Highway 207 for 39 mi through Heppner, Ruggs, Hardman and past Anson Wright County Park to the junction of Highway 207 and Forest Road 24 (0.1 mi past the Bull Prairie Campground turn-off). Turn left (east) on FR 24 (a gravel road) and travel 6.5 mi to FR 2407. Turn right (south) on FR 2407 and travel 1.5 mi to FR 040. Travel a half-mile on FR 40 to the cabin, which is on the right before the helipad. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for access as the last mile to the cabin is very steep and rocky.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
11AM
- Access the cabin using a combination lock; details will be in your reservation confirmation.
- Contact the Heppner Ranger District before arrival to check on weather, fire conditions, and road access.
- For more information on road conditions, contact the Heppner Ranger District Recreation Department.
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Amenities
- The cabin includes a small refrigerator; consider bringing a cooler for longer stays and ice can be purchased nearby.
Safety & rules
- Exercise caution in this high cliff area, particularly around children.
- Bring garbage bags as this facility follows a 'pack in-pack out' policy.
Vehicles & parking
- A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the steep and rocky last mile to the cabin.
Fires & fuel
- Campfires are usually not allowed from July to September; confirm with the Ranger District for current restrictions.
- Do not move firewood to protect local forests from invasive species; obtain firewood near your camping location.
Pets
- Pets are allowed, but horses and other livestock are prohibited.
General
- For current fire restrictions and closures, click here.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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Explore Heppner, OR
Population: 1,277
Nearby city: Kennewick, WA
Approx. 96 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 1,946 ft
Heppner, OR
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service