Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Cold Springs Guard Station - Oregon

Ochoco National Forest

History

Cold Springs Guard Station served a special role as the switchboard station connecting phone calls between various fire lookouts and guard stations during the summer months, as well as housing for the fire guard and his family. The main line ran from Prineville, through Ochoco Ranger Station across Big Summit Prairie, and continued east to Paulina Ranger Station. Lines ran north connecting Pisgah and East Point Lookouts, and continued to ranches en route to Mitchell. Lines also ran south connecting Lutsey Point Lookout, Lytle and Goldie Springs Guard Stations and ranches en route to Post. The magnetic phone lines were replaced by radio communication during the 1960s.

The switchboard could patch calls on one phone line through to another line. Calls were identified by a series of three long or short rings. This type of system continues to be in use connecting the Wolf Mountain Lookout to Paulina Ranger Station. Visitors may notice insulators and heavy gauge wires suspended from pine trees or hung on pole tripods to the southeast of Cold Springs.

The cabin, constructed in 1934, replaced the earlier guard station, which was damaged by fire. Cold Springs Guard Station continued to be used by Forest Service employees into the 1990s.

Description

Cold Springs Guard Station is the perfect destination for visitors wanting the creature comforts of a home while in a rustic, natural setting. The multi-room cabin is comfortably equipped with two bathrooms, one featuring a tub and the other a shower, and both sporting flush toilets. The kitchen has a propane cook stove and a solar-powered refrigerator, and is stocked with basic utensils and cleaning supplies. There are three bedrooms, complete with beds, and a living room. The lights, heat, and hot water are all propane operated. The cabin also has solar lights. Drinking water is available in the building. A picnic table and fire ring are available for outdoor dining and campfires.

Area Attractions & Activities

Several bands of wild free-roaming horses live in the Ochoco National Forest. The herd’s exact origins are unknown. Historically, ranchers would selectively turn breeding stock loose to ensure a supply of horses when needed for ranch work. The U. S. Army’s Remount program added to the herd’s lineage as horses either escaped or were turned loose to augment the wild horse bands. And in later years, thoroughbred-racing stock may have been released in the area. Today’s wild horses often resemble sturdy, well-muscled Morgans, while others have distinctive facial markings. Coat colors tend toward dark bay and black, with a few light bays and chestnuts. Watch and listen for these strong and beautiful creatures. Visitors can learn more from a Forest Service interpretive sign on Forest Service Road 42 on the way to the cabin.

In addition to the bountiful wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing can be enjoyed near by. Be sure to have binoculars, camera and field guides on hand.

Amenities

• Drinking Water
• Flush Toilet
• Shower
• Propane Cook Stove
• Heater
• Water Heater
• Lights
• Solar Refrigerator
• Picnic Table
• Fire Ring

No RVs or camp trailers are allowed at this site.

Pets

Pets permitted outside only.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

Travel 15 miles east from Prineville on Highway 26. Turn right at the junction to Ochoco Ranger Station (County Road 23) and travel nine miles to the junction of Forest Service Roads (FSR) 22 and 42. Stay (right) on FSR 42 and proceed approximately 22 miles. Just after crossing the North Fork of the Crooked River, turn left on FSR 30 and proceed approximately 1.5 miles. Signs to Cold Springs will be visible.

The route is easily accessible by car, with paved roads most of the way. The last 2 miles to the cabin are on a good dirt road.