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Clackamas Lake Historic House

The 1,380 square foot two-story cabin features a fireplace insert in the living room, a large dining table, a fully equipped kitchen, sun porch, a bathroom with flush toilet, sink and shower, and 3 large bedrooms with new mattresses. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed; the east upstairs bedroom, a full and twin bed. The west upstairs bedroom has a set of bunk beds and two twins. The refrigerator, range and hot water heater operate on propane. The lights and electrical outlets are powered by a generator. The cabin interior is knotty pine and the exterior is a semi-lunate half round (tongue and grove siding) to resemble logs in the Cascadian style. On-site volunteer caretakers help maintain the site and provide interpretive tours as well as staff the small Visitor Center/Historic Museum. Firewood and garbage service are provided as well as mattresses, dishes and dish towels. Sheets and blankets, sleeping bags, and bath towels must be supplied by the renter.

The generator that operates the lights and electricity at the cabin is old, finicky and high maintenance. Future plans include installing a timer, but for now, please run the generator only between 6-10 a.m. and between 5-10 p.m. The cabin is also equipped with four propane lanterns that can provide light outside of those hours or if the generator malfunctions during your stay. There is also a stove top percolator coffee pot and old fashioned toaster. There are no cabin rental refunds if the generator breaks down. The refrigerator, stove, and hot water will all still function and lanterns should provide you an old fashioned cabin experience!

History

The large historic Clackamas Ranger Cabin once housed the District Ranger and his Resource Assistant as well as seasonal workers who traveled their District on horseback. The Resource Assistant soon married and the "Honeymoon Cabin" was built nearby for the newlyweds. Sadly the Honeymoon Cabin burned down in 2003, but much of this historic Ranger Station is still intact making a stay at the Ranger’s cabin memorable and educational about Forest Service history of the era.

The Ranger's Cabin was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and is located across the road from the old District Ranger’s office – now a two-room Visitor Center – on the Clackamas Lake Historic House compound. The cabin logs, knotty pine paneling, and large rock fireplace in this historic two story home highlights its "cabin in the woods" charm. Visit the small museum in the Visitor Center and take an interpretive tour of the compound to learn more about how the Forest Service looked before computers!

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

  • No smoking
  • Pets are not permitted
  • Candles are prohibited in the cabins.
  • No more than 4 vehicles allowed to be parked at cabin
  • No occupied RV's allowed at the site

Amenities

  • Refrigerator
  • Range
  • Hot water
  • Generator

Additional Information

Maximum cabin capacity is eight people. The septic system cannot handle more people. No trailers or other groups are allowed on the site. Plug-in appliances such as televisions, stereos, VCR/DVD players, radios, computers, hair dryers, etc. are not allowed due to the rustic nature of the generator. Power surges from the generator can ruin electronic equipment.

Renters are responsible for cleaning the cabin before they leave. This includes sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down all counters and dusting furniture, and cleaning sinks and bathroom. Remove all your belongings and food when you leave. Garbage and dirty dishtowels are stored in the garage with the firewood. A cleaning check list is at the cabin.

It is recommended that renters bring sheets and blankets or sleeping bags, pillows, towels, personal hygiene items, flashlights (especially for kids at night), food and drink, insect repellant, jackets, and sunscreen. Fun items could include games, bikes, swimming and boating for Timothy and Clackamas Lake nearby. 

Open 24 hours/day

Overnight Use: $180/group weekday night (8 people).
$200/group weekend and holiday night (8 people).
*Sites may be reservable and reservation fees apply.*

Price and Capacity: 

  • $180 per night per group on weekdays
  • $200 per night per group on weekends and holidays

This pricing includes county lodging taxes. There is a maximum of 8 occupants for the cabin and the site. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the cabin.

Mt. Hood SO/ CRRD office

Address: 16400 Champion Way Sandy, OR 97055
Phone: (971) 333-4100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.099185

Longitude: -121.75017

Directions

From Portland, OR - Take Hwy 26 east to Sandy. Stay on Hwy 26 headed east another 39 miles and turn right/south on Skyline Road/Forest Road 42. Go 10 miles on Road 42. Just past the Forest Road 57 junction is the Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Station. Hood River: Travel approximately 38 miles south on Hwy 35 to the Hwy 26 junction. Take the Hwy 26 east junction. Go about 8.5 miles and turn right/south on Skyline Road/Forest Road 42. Go 10 miles on Road 42. Just past the Forest Road 57 junction is the Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Station.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Viewing WildlifeViewing Wildlife
Viewing PlantsViewing Plants
Interpretive Areas/ExhibitsInterpretive Areas/Exhibits

Last updated June 2nd, 2025