Murderers Creek Guard Station

431 Patterson Bridge Rd, John Day, Oregon, United States
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Murderers Creek Guard Station - West Side View
Murderers Creek Guard Station - Kitchen Nook
Murderers Creek Guard Station - Side View
Futon
Murderers Creek Guard Station - Back Yard

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Kitchen Kitchen
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About Murderers Creek Guard Station

Murderer's Creek Guard Station is in the heart of the Malheur National Forest, in central Oregon. It makes an excellent base camp for back country recreating, and is a cozy retreat for a couple and a fun opportunity to imagine the life of the early day forest rangers. The historic guard station is one of the oldest standing buildings in the forest. The cabin contains some modern amenities and can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
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Past seasons
Closed periods
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Currently open - May 8 to Nov 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Kitchen Kitchen
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane

Cabin Interior

  • Toilet Type
  • Kitchen
  • Heating
Missing information?
01, Loop: AREA MURDERERS CREEK WORK CENTER

01, Loop: AREA MURDERERS CREEK WORK CENTER

🏠 Cabin
  • 2 guests

Site Details

Up to 2 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews

32 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Murderers Creek Guard Station is a charming and well-maintained cabin, perfect for a weekend getaway surrounded by natural beauty. Guests appreciate the comfortable accommodations, including a refrigerator/freezer, and enjoy the tranquility of the nearby creek and wildlife. While some visitors experienced minor issues like difficult directions and limited kitchen supplies, the overall experience is positive, highlighting the cabin's cozy atmosphere and scenic location.

Based on guest feedback

4.1

Overall rating

Based on 32 reviews

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5 stars 53.1% (17)
4 stars 31.3% (10)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 6.3% (2)
1 star 9.4% (3)

Showing 32 reviews

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Chris S

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MURDERERS CREEK WORK CENTER

Nice (but small) cabin located on a paved road. Area around cabin is worth investigating during morning/evening hikes (a wire gate about 100 yds west of the cabin allows access to the area across the road). I especially enjoyed the hike up to Fields Peak (though the road to the trailhead is rough). The Cedar Grove Natl Scenic Trail is also worth a hike to an interesting cedar grove.

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Katherine S

Verified

January 24, 2020 Stayed at: 01, Loop: AREA MURDERERS CREEK WORK CENTER

All as listed. Stove was cozy warm and easy to get started. Everything was clean and tidy. Bed was sufficient. Recommend extra lantern, the lights were not very bright. People were stopping to use the outhouse that's on the property through the day.

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Location & Directions for Murderers Creek Guard Station

431 Patterson Bridge Rd, John Day, OR 97845 United States

Elevation: 1,340 ft

Nearest town

John Day, OR - 33 mi

About 52 min to downtown

Highway access

Murderers Creek Guard Station is accessible via Oregon State Highway 395, which is located approximately 20 miles to the west.

Policies & Rules

General

  • There is no water at the guard station; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning
  • Bears may frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage (learn more about bear safety)
  • The cabin remains locked; a combination code will be contained in the reservation confirmation letter
  • Guests should contact the Ranger Station before arrival to confirm that road closures or weather conditions won't affect a visit
  • Learn more about the Malheur National Forest here 
  • 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.
  • Murderer's Creek Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage

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Nearby destinations

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Mount Vernon

13 mi away

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Dayville

19 mi away

City
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John Day

19 mi away

City

Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Explore John Day, OR

Population: 1,609

Elevation: 3,087 ft

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