Ditch Creek Guard Station Cr
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Bull Prairie Campground · 18.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 45.1190, -119.3471
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Ditch Creek Guard Station, located about 27 miles southeast of Heppner, Oregon, is a comfortable little cabin that accommodates six overnight guests, plus additional guests camped in a tent outside. Equestrian campers are welcome and a corral with trough is provided. The guard station was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the mid-1930s. It is a classic example of forest building structures of that era and is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. It was used by forest fireguards who would ride their horse deep into the forest’s interior to look for wisps of smoke from lightning strikes or check on communications lines along the Forest Service roads. It became a recreation rental in 1997.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Ditch Creek Guard Station Cr free?
No. Ditch Creek Guard Station Cr charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Ditch Creek Guard Station Cr?
From Heppner, Oregon: Travel south on Highway 207 until you reach the edge of town. Take a left up the hill onto Willow Creek Road towards the Willow Creek Damn. Continue to travel 23 miles past Willow Creek Lake, Cutsforth County Park, and up Coalmine Hill. At the top of the Coalmine Hill, continue on the Western Route and take a right in 0.2 miles onto Forest Service Road 21 (County Road 603) and continue for 3.5 miles. Do note that this route is also part of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. Ditch Creek Gaurd Station is located on a hill on the north side of the road and is accessed by two short entrance roads (Forest Service Road 050 and 051).From Ukiah, Oregon: Head; west; on; Oregon Highway 244 for 4 miles then continue onto Forest Service Road 53 (The Western Route) for another 19.3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 21 (County Road 603) and continue for 3.5 miles. Do note that this route is also part of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. Ditch Creek Guard Station is located on a hill on the north side of the spur road and is accessed by two short enterance roads (Forest Service Road 050 and 051).
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
