Murderer's Creek Guard Station

Area Status: Closed

Murderer’s Creek was named in the 1860s, or so the story goes, after a party of eight prospectors who were exploring its banks were murdered.

This place is nice retreat for a couple or individual and a fun opportunity to imagine the life of the early day Forest rangers! This historic Guard Station is one of the oldest standing buildings on the Malheur National Forest. Setting just off of Forest Road 21 this cabin affords great access to local trails, bird watching, hunting and many more outdoor adventures. Within a few miles of the guard station visitors can enjoy hiking opportunities at the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Fields Peak Trail #212, McClellan Mountain Trail #216 and Riley Creek Trail #216A.

The rental itself includes a one-room cabin and a vault toilet. The cabin is equipped with a cook stove, lights, refrigerator and heat stove that all use propane. It is furnished with a table and chairs, and features tableware and cookware. There is also an old garage building and room to park an RV in the driveway. The cabin itself only sleeps 2 on a futon bed. There is no water on site; visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Title:	Murderers Creek Guard Station
Date:
Location:	Oregon
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Title:	Murderers Creek Guard Station 3b
Date:
Location:	Oregon
Credit:	Sally Fish
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Title:	Murderers Creek Guard Station 5b
Date:
Location:	Oregon
Credit:	Sally Fish
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Title:	Murderers Creek Guard Station 4b
Date:
Location:	Oregon
Credit:	Sally Fish
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Title:	Murderers Creek Guard Station 2b
Date:
Location:	Oregon
Credit:	Sally Fish
Description:
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At a Glance

Current Conditions:	To make reservations please visit: www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777.
Operational Hours:	Check in time is 4 pm and check out is 12 pm.
Reservations:	The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days. To make reservations phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov.
Fees:	$50 per night per group, with a maximum of two occupants in the cabin. the rental fee also allows parking for one RV in the driveway. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of guard station.
Open Season:	May 6 - November 15
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	Mt Vernon, OR

General Information

Directions:

From John Day, OR., travel approximately 18 miles west on US Highway 26 to the junction with Forest Road 21. Follow Forest Road 21, 12 miles to the Guard Station.

General Notes:

No smoking
Pets are welcome
There is room for one RV to park in the driveway

Amenities

Vault Toilet
Propane lights
Propane heater
Propane refrigerator
Propane cook stove
Propane Heat Stove

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Cabin Rentals

There are two campground in the vacinity of the guard station, Oregon Mine and Billy Fields campgrounds. Also in the are are two other recreation rentals, Fall Mountain Lookout and Deer Creek Guard Station.

Reservation required?:	Y

River and Stream Fishing

In season, enjoy fishing in nearby Murderer’s Creek (keep in mind that stream water gets scarce by mid-August) and South Fork John Day. For fishing regulations please visit Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife .

Day Hiking

In the spring and summer pack along field guides and take a short hike around the Cedar Grove Botanical Area, Field's Peak Trail #212, McClellan Mountain Trail #216 and Riley Creek Trail #216A where wildflowers and other wildlife, including wild horses, are often seen.

Viewing Wildlife

Visitors have a good chance to see some of the wild horses that have territory in the vacinity. The area is abundant with wildlife including birds, deer, elk, bear, cougar and many more including a multitude of small creatures such as chipmunks and ground squirrels.