Box Canyon Guard Station - Oregon
Willamette National Forest
Box Canyon Guard Station sits at the doorstep of the Three Sisters Wilderness, a range of major peaks, the North, Middle and South Sisters, all of which tower 10,000 feet above sea level. The area offers just about everything: alpine meadows, waterfalls, lava field, glaciers (Collier Glacier is the largest in Oregon), and glacial lakes abundant with trout. The forest is dense and varied, with Douglas fir, silver fir, sub-alpine fir, mountain hemlock, true fir, lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine.
Larger photos of Box Canyon Guard Station and Vicinity
MORE INFORMATION: History | Description | Area Attractions & Activities | Amenities | Pets | Smoking | Directions
Price & Capacity
$60 per night per group, with a maximum of four occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the guard station.
There is no additional camping on the site, but Box Canyon Campground is located across the street.
Reservations
www.RECREATION.gov
1-877-444-6777
McKenzie River Ranger District
57600 McKenzie Highway
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
541-822-3381
Other Willamette National Forest Recreation Rentals
Availability
Box Canyon Guard Station is available for rent mid-June through mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
-- The maximum-length stay is fourteen consecutive nights. --
History
Guard stations were built in the heart of the forest to enable fire fighters and other personnel quick access to inner forest areas. Fire guards were the smoke chasers, often riding on horseback through the tall timbers to the location spotted by the lookout tower guards. The first on the scene, they often tried to put out any fires they may have found on their own, or reported back for additional help, if needed.
Description
The spacious, one-room cabin is tucked beneath a dense canopy of Douglas-fir. It is furnished with two twin beds, a desk, a hide-a-bed couch, and a table and chairs. It is equipped with a two-burner propane stove for cooking, and miscellaneous cleaning supplies. There is no potable water on site (although there is a nearby stream), and visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located nearby. A horse corral (approximately 45 feet in diameter) is located next to the guard station and is included in the rental.
Area Attractions & Activities
The cabin is located on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. Trailheads into the Three Sisters Wilderness and the Chucksney Mountain Roadless Recreation Area are adjacent to the Guard Station. Hiking and horse back riding opportunities abound.
Amenities
- Outhouse
- Propane Cook Stove
- Horse Corral
- Fire Ring
- Picnic Table
There is no additional camping on the site, but Box Canyon Horse Camp is located across the street.
Pets
Pets are welcome but must stay outside.
Smoking
No smoking.
Directions
Follow either State Highway 126 or 58 to Forest Service Road 19 and proceed to the crest. The guard station is located across from the horse camp. The site is easily accessible by car.