Short Creek Guard Station is a great place to stay to enjoy the nearby Monument Rock and Strawberry Mountain wilderness areas, as well as the North Fork of the Malheur Scenic River. The cabin offers access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, hunting, fishing and viewing wildlife.
The cabin provides all the comforts of a home, including drinking water during the summer months. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Fishing
Year-round
Hiking
Year-round
Hunting
Year-round
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Hiking
Nearby
Hunting
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.
Short Creek Guard Station offers a clean and quiet cabin experience, perfect for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Guests appreciate the beautiful location and the opportunity to enjoy it privately, though some challenges with amenities like hot water and comfort of the bed and sofa have been noted. Overall, many visitors enjoy their stay and plan to return, valuing the affordable price and outdoor activities available in the area.
Stayed there for six days, refrigerator would not work unless you held the start button down. I called Prairie City and they had me call John Day. They sent a guy out right away. The hot water heater….well there was no hot water. Cold showers all week. There was not enough water pressure to ignite the tankless water heater, the note posted in the kitchen and bath say there is a problem with tree roots or whatever. Other than that it’s warm, clean, and a great location.
hot water is either too hot or too cold so taking a shower is tricky, sofa isnt comfy to sleep on ,bed is old and sinks in the middle,gas applainces make it really hot inside so bring a fan w battery backup or power bank .window near heater dont stay open
Really beautiful spot. Remember, this is not VRBO so don't expect a fruit basket and bottle of wine. Some DIY required. I really enjoyed the privilege of having this place to ourselves.
It really depends on what you like to do and the time of year, but there are certainly lots of things to do, both near to the station and in the surrounding region. While we were there bow hunting was in full swing in the area, while we mostly went hiking in the nearby wildernesses.
i use it every year and i enjoy the stay every time. the hasp on the front door needs some repair. the price is excellent. i will be staying again next season even longer.
We just returned from 4 days at Short creek guard station. We had an excellent time hiking, fishing and viewing wildlife. The cabin was nice, comfortable and perfect for us and our two dogs. We did bring queen sheets and blankets for the bed which was pretty comfortable. The hot water was quirky, but we managed just fine. The only critters that we saw in the cabin were carpenter ants in the shower each morning. It is bow hunting season so there were lots of vehicles passing. The cabin sits on an intersection of rd13 and rd16, so that was not ideal. We had an excellent time in the Strawberry mountain wilderness.
What a nice little cabin! We had a great stay. My son says A+++. The propane lights created the sweetest nighttime ambiance and the gurgling stream that runs past the cabin was a delight as well. The nearby Strawberry Mountain was aptly named as the yard was full of tiny, delicious, ripe strawberries (last week of June). It is a nice walk up the road behind the cabin or go the opposite way across the main road for easy access to the river. There are window treatments but they are just sheets. I have hopes of making curtains for the place but I forgot to take measurements before we left. There are plenty of kitchen utensils but are lacking bowls so bring your own (or even better - one that can be left behind for the next guests). We will definitely be back and are inspired to add cabin stays to our yearly outings.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Short Creek Guard Station
Short Creek Guard Station District Office: 327 Sw Front St., P.O. Box 337 Prairie City Or 97869, Prairie City, OR 97869 United States
There is a locked gate at Short Creek Guard Station which is secured with a combination lock. The combination is provided in the customer confirmation email.
Drinking water and the flush toilet are available only during warmer months; water will be shut off from early October until late May (specific dates required to prevent freezing lines depend on area temperatures).
Bears may frequent the area; use appropriate containers for food and garbage (learn more about bear safety).
Guests may encounter cattle near the facility.
Water taken from any outdoor source should be boiled or treated prior to consumption.
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
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.
Short Creek Guard Station is in a remote forest location with no mobile phone coverage.
