USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Caretaker's Cabin is located at the historic Fremont Powerhouse site. The cozy 2-storied cabin features two bedrooms upstairs with dressers, 2 twin beds, and 2 full-over-queen bunkbeds; a parlor with 2 futons and end tables; a dining room with a table and chairs to seat 10; a kitchen with refrigerator, electric stove/oven, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, cookware, and dishes; and a full bath with hot water and flush toilet during the summer months. Outside there is a fire ring and picnic table--prior to arrival please contact the District office to determine whether fires have been banned. The cabin has electric lights and electric wall heaters. Cleaning supplies are also provided and renters are required to clean the house before they leave. While there is water available June through September, there is no water or indoor plumbing October through May. Visitors during those times must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. There is an outhouse near the cabin for use when the water is; turned off. There is additional space for tent camping.For activities, go hiking within the North Fork John Day Wilderness or mountain biking on closed forest roads. Take a drive along the Blue Mountain or Elkhorn Scenic Byways. Olive Lake is 7 miles west, offering fishing boating, swimming, and hiking. Visit the nearby ghost town of Granite or travel a bit farther to Sumpter where an old mining dredge has been restored and is open for tours.Nearby Recreation Rentals: This area includes three other cabins, all within a couple hundred feet of each other: Congo Gulch, Hilltop Hideaway, and Miner's Retreat. This provides great flexibility for larger groups such as family reunions or weddings.Availability: Caretaker's Cabin is available for rent all year.HistoryIn the 1800s, the North Fork John Day drainage was bustling with gold and silver mining. Around 1903, local mines began to notice a decline in earnings and promoted constr
From the USFS.
No. Fremont Caretaker's Cabin charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through fs.usda.gov.
From Pendleton, Oregon:; Travel south on Highway 395 for 50 miles to the Ukiah exit. Turn left on Highway 244 to Ukiah. Turn right (south) just before the city park; this road bomes Forest Service Road (FSR) 52 at the Forest boundary. Travel 50 miles to the small town of Granite. From Granite go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. The main road veers left along the creek bed. At this junction go right (uphill) on FSR 10 and follow the signs to the Fremont Powerhouse.From Baker City, Oregon: Travel west on Highway 720 miles to the junction with FSR 73. Proceed north through Sumpter and another 17 miles to the small town of Granite. From Granite go west on County Road 24 for approximately 6 miles. The main road veers left along the creek bed. At this junction go right (uphill) on FSR 10 and follow the signs to the Fremont Powerhouse.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.