Tamarack Cabin

About as far away from pavement and parking lots as you can get without hiking. We went during fire season, and it was quite smoky, but the sunsets and sunrises were ridiculous. My most heartfelt thanks to the Forest Service and the brave firefighters who kept us safe and well-informed. Thank you. The cabin itself is a small one-room with two bunk beds and one other single, which requires at least a top sheet if not some extra padding. The weather was warm when we were there, but there is a large heater, a couple of wall lights that run on propane, as well as a refrigerator and a range. Be sure to read the instructions on the wall. One large round table and four chairs finish out the room. Bring plenty of water for dishwashing, showering if need be. The vault toilet was decent; no problems there. The kitchen was spartan but adequate with dishes, cups, and a few other cooking items. It is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out site, of course. Leaving it better than you found it gets a gold star. Cleaning supplies are supplied, but feel free to bring your own. Heard the horses and saw lots of deer and a bear. Didn't see a single person who was not a firefighter or a Forest Service employee, and then only once. Oh yeah, almost forgot. Hope you don't suffer from vertigo or listen to l'appel du vide because the lookout looks a little like an incomplete Erector Set and a retired Ferris wheel had a baby, sounds like whale song when you're climbing it, and feels like what I imagine a ship's crow's nest on the high seas might feel like. My wife laughed at me the whole way, and my thighs are still sore from being at maximum clinch the whole time. But i'm sure you'll be fine. Have 🥳, Don't 💀.

Great little cabin. The cabin had several bunk beds and one single bed. I'd recommend bringing a top sheet of your own for the mattresses and your own pillow. Refrigerator and stove were easy to use. We didn't need the gas heater. Lights/wall lanterns were easy to use. If you want more lights, bring some. Vault toilet was super clean and stocked with toilet paper. Cabin was well stocked with basic silverware/tableware. Good size dining table. Really enjoyable spot with amazing views from the lookout tower and from the ridge/cliff immediately to the west. Bring your own water.

Tamarack is a quaint little guard station with striking views of the John Day River basin just a 100 ft from the cabin. This is one of the smaller guard stations in Oregon, but the prominence over the surrounding area make up for it! We stayed over the long labor day weekend and did see a number of people come up to either use the restroom or to visit the view point, but for the most part people were respectful.

We did discover a couple mice nests in the lower kitchen cabinets and it would be wise to wash any dishes prior to using them. Other than that, everything was in working order and it is always such a nice treat to have such amenities as a refrigerator, lanterns, and gas range when out in the wilderness.