Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Ochoco Ranger House - Oregon

Ochoco National Forest

History

Ochoco Ranger Station was established in 1906 as part of the Western Division of the Blue Mountain Forest Reserves. By 1911, Ochoco Ranger Station was one of 7 ranger districts on the newly formed Ochoco National Forest. The site quickly grew from a single office/residence building to a compound with an office, residence, storage building and barn. Camp Mill Creek, a Civilian Conservation Corps camp was established on Ochoco Creek in 1933 and provided a skilled work force for a variety of forest projects.

The 2-story house was constructed in 1940 specifically for the District Ranger by the Civilian Conservation Corps and the US Forest Service. The house showcases the rustic architectural styles common to this era. Hand forged hardware and wood paneling continue this theme on the main floor. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed other working buildings on the compound including the Shop and Warehouse. A residential area and new office was added in 1960. Today, Ochoco Ranger Station is a working compound primarily used for fire suppression and fuels management activities.

Description

This beautifully appointed 1,145 square foot 2-story house has two large bedrooms and a half bath (with a flush toilet) upstairs, and a bedroom and a full bath (with a flush toilet and hot shower) downstairs. The house is furnished with two queen beds and three twin beds. The first floor, with warm wood paneling throughout, offers a well-equipped kitchen with cook stove and refrigerator, as well as basic kitchen ware and cleaning supplies. The large dining room, with a table and chairs, comfortably accommodates eight. Relax and enjoy a living room furnished with a couch, love seat and chair, end tables and accents lamps, and a ceiling fan. The house is fully electric and offers a 2-car garage. The fireplace is not in use.

A vacuum cleaner is provided for cleaning the carpeted flooring in the bedrooms. The roads will be plowed and open; however, visitors will be responsible for clearing the sidewalks and driveway during heavy snowfall periods (December through March).

Area Attractions & Activities

Hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing and more can be enjoyed in the area. The Lookout Mountain Trail system offers a variety of hiking, mountain bike and horse trails in the area. The 8 mile Lookout Mountain Trail #804 begins at Ochoco Ranger Station and climbs to the top of Lookout Mountain (6,900 feet elevation).

Nearby Walton Lake offers an easy hike around the lake and connects with the more difficult 9.5 mile Round Mountain trail. Walton Lake, a developed recreation site is located about 7 miles northeast of Ochoco Ranger Station. A snow-park is located just past Walton Lake offering cross country ski trails and snowmobile routes (an Oregon State Sno-Park permit is required).

Big Summit Prairie to the east offers spectacular wildflowers in the spring and early summer. A representative cross-section of the flora can be seen including Wild Peony, Camas, White Wyethia, Peck's Mariposa Lily and Mountain Ladys-slipper. Remains of early gold and cinnabar mining can also be found along Forest Roads #22 and #42. And if you're lucky, you'll see some of the wild horses that roam the area.

Amenities

• Flush Toilets
• Bath/Shower
• Hot and Cold Running Water
• Electricity
• Electric Heat
• Cook Stove
• Refridgerator
• Lights
• 2-car Garage
• Additional Tent Camping on Site

Pets

Pets are not allowed. No domestic livestock (horses, llamas, etc) are allowed.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From Prineville, Oregon, travel 16 miles east on Highway 26. Turn right at the junction to Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie (County Road 23) and travel 9 miles to Ochoco Ranger Station. Turn left just after the office and another quick left into the residential area. The 2-story rental is located on your right, 33869 Ochoco Ranger Station Loop.

Prineville offers the nearest store or gas station and is 25 miles from the Ochoco Ranger Rental.