White cabin in meadow with split rail fence and pine trees
SUNSHINE GUARD STATION
SUNSHINE GUARD STATION
SUNSHINE GUARD STATION
SUNSHINE GUARD STATION

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
River Access River Access
Bedrooms Bedrooms

About Sunshine Guard Station

Sunshine Guard Station is situated along John Day River in the Malheur National Forest at an elevation of 3.7 ft, about 43 mi northeast of John Day, Oregon. The former guard station was built in 1936 and until the 1990s was used alternatively as a bunkhouse or a work station for fireguards. The guard station can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

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

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
River Access River Access
Bedrooms Bedrooms
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Heating
Missing information?

001, Loop: LOOP A

🏠 Cabin
  • 7 guests

Site Details

Up to 7 guests
300 × 100 ft
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Parallel
Campfire
View Site Details

Reviews (35)

What Guests Are Saying

Sunshine Guard Station offers a cozy and rustic retreat in a beautiful, remote location, perfect for family stays and outdoor activities like turkey hunting. Recent improvements have been noted, with many guests appreciating the comfortable warmth and the well-equipped kitchen. However, some guests reported cleanliness issues and the presence of bugs, suggesting the need for better upkeep and maintenance.

Review Summary

3.7
35 reviews
5
42.9%
15
4
25.7%
9
3
11.4%
4
2
2.9%
1
1
17.1%
6

Annette B

Verified

September 14, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

2

if you stay here check out the little town of galena and hidden off a forest service road nearby it is an abandoned mining town with a few buildings still standing. also check out the trail behind the cabin, i heard there was a neat spot up there but didnt have time to check it out. FYI there is a creek right next to the driveway but down the road there is a campground with water available to fill up jugs.

Jeffrey D

Verified

March 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

1

Unfortunately the guests that visited lest the house a complete mess. We spent hours cleaning and airing out the smoke smell inside.

Lawrence B

Verified

January 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

3

Had to do a lot of clean up. There were hundreds of dead flies on floors, table, counters and window seals. Fly strips were totally covered and some live flies were around. We expected some clean up, but not this. Replaced the fly strips with new ones. Over all the cabin was a great place to stay.

Diane B

Verified

July 4, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

5

We were very happy to see that most of the recent issues with Sunshine have been addressed. We love the remote location and the rustic feel of the cabin, but mostly the quiet beauty of the area. Really enjoyed our stay!

Kathryn P

Verified

June 30, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

5

Super cozy little cabin, comfortable for the whole family during the off and on rain showers. no issues with bugs.

lbagley3 B

Verified

April 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

3

People before us were gross. Never cleaned etc. not very nice to walk into

Deane H

Verified

December 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

5

Spent a week at Sunshine at the end of Nov. 2024. Was very nice to have a warm and comfortable place. Whoever had the cabin previously had left it in pristine condition. No bugs, flies or mice around. Floors and appliances clean.
It appears the Forest Service visits frequently to keep cabin in good shape and supplied. However, you probably should bring some good toilet paper as the F. S. supplied paper doesn't equal Charmin. Also bring good frying pans, otherwise there is a good supply of cooking utensils, plates etc. Wall heaters keep main areas warm but bring space heaters for the bedrooms if it's very cold.
Saw deer and turkeys but no elk.

Karl B

Verified

November 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

5

Great, special place.

James S

Verified

May 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

4

This was a great place to stay. I used it as home base while turkey hunting in the Malheur National Forest. The kitchen has a refrigerator/freezer, electric stove/oven, microwave oven, coffeemaker, and sink, but no water. It works well if you bring food to store in the fridge or freezer and either "cook" or microwave. the stove works great for heating water (for coffee) or cooking. Cabin has electric lights, and a couple built in wall heaters (it was 28 degrees or so at night when I was there and the heat was very adequate).The kitchen has a table and chairs. The main room/living room has a couch and a couple chairs, coffee table and side tables, and a bookshelf with various books and games. 2 bedrooms each with bed, (bring your own bedding and a tarp to cover the mattress it kind of dirty and buggy) ,and a large utility closet. There is a picnic table in the front yard with a fire pit /"grill" so if the weather is nice you can hang out outside. Also a large "vault" toilet next to the cabin. Issues: Bugs 🪳🪳🪳 - It was still cool weather when I was there but Spring and Bugs were arriving. There were a dozens of large flies/spittle bugs in each bedroom on the beds and floor, and other parts of the cabin. So bring some bug spay / repellant if you're averse. Cleanliness 💩💩It is an old cabin so I don't expect a lot, but it was pretty filthy when I got there. I spent 30 minutes sweeping the floor covered with bugs, dog hair, soil, pine needles, etc. Also in the utility closet there are a bunch of old used fly catcher /electric zapper devices covered with dead bugs. Needs some maintenance/upkeep: The windows have been sealed round the edges with duct tape, which is falling off peeling away. And parts of the floor tile are missing. The drain under kitchen sink is broken, so there is a plastic tray under the sink to catch any water which you then needed to empty each time you use the sink. Great view and location. But don't expect an AirBnB.

GAIL K

Verified

April 20, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A

5

Very quiet spot. Enjoyed the forest service roads behind the cabin--great area for hikes!

Location & Directions for Sunshine Guard Station

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

Elevation: 1,112 ft

Nearest town

John Day, OR - 42 mi

About 52 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

General

  • Please contact the Malheur National Forest Recreation department before arriving at the cabin rental to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms.
  • County Road 20 along the Middle Fork John Day River, accessing Sunshine Guard Station, receives limited winter maintenance. On occasion the road may be closed or entirely inaccessible. Also, there are no services along the Middle Fork of the John Day River should you need assistance. Please be sure to contact the Blue Mountain Ranger District at 541-575-3000 prior to visiting the Guard Station to check conditions. Be prepared and self-sufficient when traveling on the Malheur National Forest and travel at your own risk.
  • Sunshine Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage.
  • The cabin does not have water; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
  • Guests must bring bedding, pillows, and/or sleeping bags as well as a flashlight or lantern for emergencies, first aid kit, washcloths and towels and dish soap.
  • Guests must bring trash bags and pack out their own trash.
  • Guests must clean the cabin before their departure.
  • The Middle Fork of the John Day River can be seasonally "buggy", including box-elder bugs and houseflies. Recreation staff (and guests) do their best to keep the facility clean and to prevent insects from entering. We also provide a vacuum cleaner for use by guests. Nonetheless, you may encounter insects within the guard station. We apologize for the inconvenience, and if the situation warrants recreation staff attention, please call 541-820-3800 and we will do our best to address the issue.
  • Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; the combination to the guard station will be in your confirmation letter.
  • Most of the area around the cabin is closed to snowmobiles, except on open roads, to protect winter range for elk and deer.
  • This is bear country; food should be stored properly; learn more about bear and other safety precautions
  • 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.
  • Learn more about the The Malheur National Forest

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Explore John Day, OR

Population: 1,609

Elevation: 3,087 ft

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