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Deer Creek Guard Station

Douglas-fir and Ponderosa pine dot this broad, flat expanse surrounding Deer Creek Guard Station. Chickadees and other songbirds flit and chatter. Listen for the high-pitched whir of hummingbirds zipping around in search of nectar from wild flowers and berry bushes in bloom. Sit a moment and take it all in. In the spring and summer enjoy wildflowers, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, bird watching, nature photography and splendid peace and quiet.

This rustic cabin is a three-room cabin containing a kitchen, living room/bedroom and separate bedroom. The living room/bedroom is furnished with a "murphy" bed and rustic log furnishings, as well as a propane stove for heat.  The cabin has propane lights. The kitchen is furnished with a table and four chairs, and is equipped with a propane cook stove and propane refrigerator.  The separate bedroom is furnished with a log bunk bed. There is no water on site; visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing.

General Information

  • No smoking
  • Pets are welcome
  • There is no additional camping on site
  • Be aware that wild horses reside in this part of the Forest

Amenities

  • Propane lights
  • Propane cook stove
  • Propane refrigerator
  • Vault toilet
  • Picnic table
  • Propane heating stove

May 6 - October 31

Check in is 4 pm and check out is 12 pm.

Overnight Use: $60/night (6 people max).
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*

$60 per night, per group, with a maximum of six occupants.  Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the guard station.

To make reservations call 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov online.

Malheur national forest supervisors office and blue mountain ranger district

Address: 431 Patterson Bridge Road John Day, OR 97845
Phone: (541) 575-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: SM.FS.malpubinfo@usda.gov

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 44.187496

Longitude: -119.322123

Directions

From John Day, OR., travel south on Highway 395 approximately 17 miles to County Road 63 (Izee Highway). Take County Road 63 to the junction of Forest Service Road 24. Take Forest Road 24 approximately 10 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 514. Travel about 1/4 mile staying to your right until you reach the locked gate that allows entry to the facility grounds.

Parking

Parking is only allowed outside of the fence.

Facility and Amenity Information

Accessibility

The back door is equpped with a ramp. The restroom has a dirt path with compacted gravel that leads to a cement pad entrance to the bathroom.

The path leading to the cabin is a dirt/compacted gravel path.

Restrooms

Restrooms are not available at this site.

The restroom has a dirt path with compacted gravel that leads to a cement pad entrance to the bathroom.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated May 5th, 2025