A step back in time
Cabin rentals are usually either an old guard station or a lookout. Guard stations were built in the heart of the Forest to enable fire-fighting and other personnel quick access to areas. These stations were often built in the early part of the 1900s. The buildings are sometimes offered for rent (usually after a restoration effort that retains their historic integrity) as a way to keep them in good condition.
The Willamette National Forest currently rents eight different cabins or lookouts at various times of the year. Some are more rustic than others, but all offer a unique experience. We hope you enjoy your stay!
A step back in time
Cabin rentals are usually either an old guard station or a lookout. Guard stations were built in the heart of the Forest to enable fire-fighting and other personnel quick access to areas. These stations were often built in the early part of the 1900s. The buildings are sometimes offered for rent (usually after a restoration effort that retains their historic integrity) as a way to keep them in good condition.
The Willamette National Forest currently rents eight different cabins or lookouts at various times of the year. Some are more rustic than others, but all offer a unique experience. We hope you enjoy your stay!
Detroit Ranger District is located in the northern part of the Willamette National Forest, bordering Mt. Hood National Forest and the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.
This area is accessible from the west on Highway 22 from Salem, from the east on Highway 22 via Highway 20/126 from the Santiam Pass area, or from the north on Forest Road 46 from the Mt. Hood National Forest.
Explore the McKenzie River Ranger District (Highway 126)
McKenzie River Ranger District is in the middle part of the Willamette National Forest, bordering the Deschutes National Forest. Accessible from the west via Highway 126 from Eugene, OR, or from the east on Highway 20 from Sisters.
The McKenzie River Ranger District is a collection of stunning lakes and waterfalls, epic mountain biking and rafting, and opportunities to explore history.
The O’Leary trail complex and Upper McKenzie Trail Area offer some of the best mountain biking on the forest. Road cyclists will love the challenge of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway and the views are spectacular from your vehicle as well!
Middle Fork Ranger District is the southern part of the forest, bordering the Deschutes and Umpqua National Forests. Accessible from the west on Highway 58 from Eugene, OR, or from the south via Highway 58.
Spend some time exploring Waldo Lake, one of the gems of the forest, but don’t forget to get out on some of the great mountain biking, hiking, and horse trails in this area.
One of the gems of the Willamette National Forest is the Waldo Lake Area provides many recreational opportunities including horse camping, non-motorized boating, swimming, hiking and biking.
For those who prefer to travel by horse, the spectacular Diamond Peak Trail Area offers multiple trails For those that enjoy travel of the motorized type, OHV enthusiasts can enjoy the Huckleberry Flats OHV Trail.
