About Tamarack Cabin
Number of accommodations: 1
Nearby Activities & Attractions
Birding
Hiking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Views and Setting
- View
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Help us improve by reporting any incorrect amenity information for Tamarack Cabin.
001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
Site Details
Reviews (69)
What Guests Are Saying
Guests consistently praise Tamarack Cabin for its cleanliness, beautiful views, and well-maintained facilities. Many enjoyed their stays despite varying weather conditions, with the cabin providing a cozy and enjoyable experience for hikes and games. However, some noted that access to the cabin can be challenging for regular vehicles due to rough terrain and occasional noise from visitors.
What Guests Are Saying
Guests consistently praise Tamarack Cabin for its cleanliness, beautiful views, and well-maintained facilities. Many enjoyed their stays despite varying weather conditions, with the cabin providing a cozy and enjoyable experience for hikes and games. However, some noted that access to the cabin can be challenging for regular vehicles due to rough terrain and occasional noise from visitors.
Review Summary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Macy C
VerifiedAugust 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
We stayed two nights and had a great time, even with the presence of haze/smoke from area wildfire(s). The cabin was clean, the toilet, honestly, smelled great, and the views were excellent! The fire lookout (Sarah?) was quite amicable but kept to herself and let us do our own thing. It seems as though the staff member lives on-site whenever the tower is manned, so just be aware that you likely won't be totally alone (at least during fire season). No one visited the tower during our stay, so that was great!
As others have mentioned, be sure to take a vehicle with decent clearance and tires since the last mile or so IS somewhat rocky. My partner and I borrowed a Jeep Compass and experienced no issues, and the lookout had a Ford Ranger. There are two gas-powered lights in the cabin, but they don't put off much light (and we couldn't find extra mantles). I'd recommend bringing a lantern, if you have one, for nighttime games, meals, etc. There is one present, but we didn't see any batteries for it.
We saw a small snake, which was awesome, and the cows in the area roam freely around the cabin. There are definitely quite a few hornet-type insects around, but neither of us ever got stung. They're more annoying than anything. Just be mindful!
We had a fabulous time, overall, and hope to return in the future! :)
Macy C
VerifiedAugust 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
We stayed two nights and had a great time, even with the presence of haze/smoke from area wildfire(s). The cabin was clean, the toilet, honestly, smelled great, and the views were excellent! The fire lookout (Sarah?) was quite amicable but kept to herself and let us do our own thing. It seems as though the staff member lives on-site whenever the tower is manned, so just be aware that you likely won't be totally alone (at least during fire season). No one visited the tower during our stay, so that was great!
As others have mentioned, be sure to take a vehicle with decent clearance and tires since the last mile or so IS somewhat rocky. My partner and I borrowed a Jeep Compass and experienced no issues, and the lookout had a Ford Ranger. There are two gas-powered lights in the cabin, but they don't put off much light (and we couldn't find extra mantles). I'd recommend bringing a lantern, if you have one, for nighttime games, meals, etc. There is one present, but we didn't see any batteries for it.
We saw a small snake, which was awesome, and the cows in the area roam freely around the cabin. There are definitely quite a few hornet-type insects around, but neither of us ever got stung. They're more annoying than anything. Just be mindful!
We had a fabulous time, overall, and hope to return in the future! :)
Macy C
VerifiedAugust 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA TAMARACK LOOKOUT CABIN
We stayed two nights and had a great time, even with the presence of haze/smoke from area wildfire(s). The cabin was clean, the toilet, honestly, smelled great, and the views were excellent! The fire lookout (Sarah?) was quite amicable but kept to herself and let us do our own thing. It seems as though the staff member lives on-site whenever the tower is manned, so just be aware that you likely won't be totally alone (at least during fire season). No one visited the tower during our stay, so that was great!
As others have mentioned, be sure to take a vehicle with decent clearance and tires since the last mile or so IS somewhat rocky. My partner and I borrowed a Jeep Compass and experienced no issues, and the lookout had a Ford Ranger. There are two gas-powered lights in the cabin, but they don't put off much light (and we couldn't find extra mantles). I'd recommend bringing a lantern, if you have one, for nighttime games, meals, etc. There is one present, but we didn't see any batteries for it.
We saw a small snake, which was awesome, and the cows in the area roam freely around the cabin. There are definitely quite a few hornet-type insects around, but neither of us ever got stung. They're more annoying than anything. Just be mindful!
We had a fabulous time, overall, and hope to return in the future! :)
Location Tamarack Cabin
Address:
P.O Box 7
Heppner, OR, 97836
United States
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 miles through Heppner, Ruggs, Hardman and past Anson Wright County Park to the junction of Highway 207 and Forest Road 24 (0.1 miles past the Bull Prairie Campground turn-off). Turn left (east) on FR 24 (a gravel road) and travel 6.5 miles to FR 2407. Turn right (south) on FR 2407 and travel 1.5 miles 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.
Latitude & Longitude: 44.8734 / -119.662
Elevation: 1517 feet
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
Last updated: June 4, 2026