Steve H
VerifiedJuly 14, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
A little bit busy but very clean and comfortable
Helpful
About Short Creek Guard Station
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
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jun 5 to Oct 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Restrooms
Bedrooms
Kitchen
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Cabin Interior
- Toilet Type
- Hot Water
- Bedrooms
- Kitchen
Missing information?
001, Loop: LOOP A
🏠
Cabin
- 3 guests
Site Details
Up to 3 guests
500 × 300 ft
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: Parallel
Campfire
Reviews
19 reviews
Summary
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.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Overall rating
Based on 19 reviews
5 stars
68.4% (13)
4 stars
21.1% (4)
3 stars
5.3% (1)
2 stars
5.3% (1)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 19 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Oldest First
Teresa L
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Wonderful! We had a great time and sleeping was ok
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Sarah G
VerifiedJune 27, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Clean, beautiful, quiet.
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Amy E
VerifiedJuly 3, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Always love these cabins and this one's location is awesome - lots of hiking and road cycling (if you like long grades and no traffic). Lovely creek right there to dip toes and great campfire area. Mule deer and loads of wildflowers. Clean all around. Drawers not as stuffed with stuff folks leave behind so bring a good sharp knife and a potholder! Make sure you bring an extra lantern to hang around the room(s) as the propane lights are sparse and not over the kitchen table or reading chair. Trick to turning on the lamps - turn counterclockwise to light.
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Scott O
VerifiedJuly 13, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Clean and comfortable
Helpful
Janelle G
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Helpful
Janelle G
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Helpful
Janelle G
VerifiedSeptember 25, 2021 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Helpful
Jade H
VerifiedOctober 11, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
Great place off grid; thanks for sharing USFS!
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Billie Jo M
VerifiedJuly 7, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LOOP A
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.
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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
Elevation: 1,541 ft
Policies & Rules
General
- 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 25, 2026
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Explore Prairie City, OR
Population: 615
Nearby city: Caldwell, ID
Approx. 94 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 3,547 ft
Prairie City, OR
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service