Cold Springs Cabin - Ochoco Nf (OR)

We had an extended stay (5 nights), hosting both adults daughters, one of whom had only heard stories. We focused on hiking, photography (mostly wildflowers) and relaxing. We found the water pump was out when we arrived (Sunday afternoon). First thing Monday morning I drove to a location with cell coverage and called the Facilities Maintenance phone number on the cabin bulletin board. I was about 45 minutes away from the cabin and the USFS maintenance employees beat me back. We had water (gravity flow) for Monday and they had a new pump installed by 10 am Tuesday morning. It was such great responsiveness at a time of great upheaval for the agency. We were really grateful.

We hiked the Barnhouse Trail, the Lookout Mountain Trail (from the Independence Mine trailhead) and an off-trail route down into the North Fork Crooked River Canyon. The flowers were great, as was the weather. We also saw antelope and elk near the cabin, and the Big Summit Prairie elk herd numbered more than 200 head as we headed out on Friday morning.

Mosquitoes are still vigorous, so bring repellant for sitting outside at night. They weren't bad during the day, away from the cabin.

We had an extended stay (5 nights), hosting both adults daughters, one of whom had only heard stories. We focused on hiking, photography (mostly wildflowers) and relaxing. We found the water pump was out when we arrived (Sunday afternoon). First thing Monday morning I drove to a location with cell coverage and called the Facilities Maintenance phone number on the cabin bulletin board. I was about 45 minutes away from the cabin and the USFS maintenance employees beat me back. We had water (gravity flow) for Monday and they had a new pump installed by 10 am Tuesday morning. It was such great responsiveness at a time of great upheaval for the agency. We were really grateful.

We hiked the Barnhouse Trail, the Lookout Mountain Trail (from the Independence Mine trailhead) and an off-trail route down into the North Fork Crooked River Canyon. The flowers were great, as was the weather. We also saw antelope and elk near the cabin, and the Big Summit Prairie elk herd numbered more than 200 head as we headed out on Friday morning.

Mosquitoes are still vigorous, so bring repellant for sitting outside at night. They weren't bad during the day, away from the cabin.

Great location and quiet, almost too quiet. Enjoy the coyotes call in the morning about thirty minutes after sunup.

Great location and quiet, almost too quiet. Enjoy the coyotes call in the morning about thirty minutes after sunup.

FS staff were very helpful! Water pump was out when we arrived, and was fixed it same day as we called. Cell phone service, as noted, can be had just north of the Black Mountain lookout, short hike to it from the road; also just below Buck Point, on FS 12 road, 17 mi east of the cabin. Great supply of maps and books!

Had a great time and this place felt so fancy because it had real toilets that flush and running water. FYI because it was hard to me to find this info before I went, Cold Springs Cabin had 3 bedrooms that each have 2 (comfy) twin beds in them and there was also a futon in the living room. In the smallest bedroom one of the beds was in the way of the door so it couldn't swing closed, but you might just be able to move the bed to make it work... we didn't need the third bedroom so we just left it alone.