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
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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! :)
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.
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.