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Site Temporarily Closed
Closed for Season

Short Creek Guard Station

Short Creek Guard Station rests in a corner of a small meadow surrounded by tall ponderosa pines and a creek right outside the back door.  The cabin amenities provide all the comforts of a home.  Directly adjacent to the North Fork Malheur Scenic River.  The guard station is a great starting point for anyone wishing to explore the forests two designated wilderness areas; Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and Monument Rock Wilderness.  It is the ideal place to relax and explore the great outdoors.  Within just minutes of the cabin is the North Fork Malheur River Trail, affording a great opportunity for hikers and nature lovers alike.   

The Short Creek Guard Station is located approximately 20 miles from the town of Prairie City, Oregon. The Guard Station’s elevation is approximately 5,000 feet.  This rustic cabin has three rooms - a kitchen/living room, a bedroom, and a bathroom.  Sleeping accommodations include one Queen Size bed.  The kitchen/living room is furnished with a table and four chairs, a couch, a living room chair, and a coffee table.  The kitchen is equipped with propane cookstove, and refrigerator.  The cabin has propane lights and heater. 

The small indoor bathroom provides you with a flushable toilet, shower, and sink.  Water is only available during warm months.  A picnic table, two barbeque grills, and a fire pit are located next to the building.

 

 

Current Conditions
Water is off for the season.

General Information

  • No smoking
  • Pets are welcome
  • There is no additional camping on site

Amenities

Drinking water is available only during warmer months; water will be shut off from early to mid-October until mid to late May or early June depending on temperatures. 

  • Flushable toilet (Summer Season)
  • Hot Water  (Summer Season)
  • Potable Water  (Summer Season)
  • Shower  (Summer Season)
  • Propane Lights
  • Propane Heater
  • Refrigerator
  • Cook Stove

June 10 - October 31

Check-in time is 4:00 pm pst, and Check-out time is 1:00 pm pst.

Drinking water is available only during warmer months; water will be shut off from early to mid-October until mid to late May or early June depending on temperatures. 

Overnight Use: $60/night.
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*

The fee is $60.00 per night. 

o make reservations please visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. 

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: 44.4239656

Longitude: -118.974843

Directions

From the town of Prairie City, OR., turn onto South Main Street. Follow South Main Street to the junction with Bridge Street, turn left onto Bridge Street.  Follow Bridge Street past the local cemetery, the road then changes to County Road 62.  Continue on County Road 62 approximately 7 miles to the junction with Forest Road 13.  Follow Forest Road 13 approximately 12 miles, the guard station will be on the right.  

Parking

There is a ample parking beyond the gate leading into the rental. 

Facility and Amenity Information

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Drinking water is available only during warmer months; water will be shut off from early to mid-October until mid to late May or early June depending on temperatures. 

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated April 23rd, 2025