Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Lodgepole Guard Station - Oregon

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

History

The guard station at Lodgepole Meadow was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps to be used as a remote guard station for the early Forest Service crews working in the area, and replaced the original guard station that had been built in 1911. During WWII, Herb (in photo at right) and Zella Wright, a husband and wife lookout team, lived throughout the winter high up on the Blue Rock Lookout several miles away watching for enemy aircraft. Lodgepole Guard Station acted as their base camp and Forest Service guards cross county skied or snow shoed through deep snow to bring supplies and food every couple of weeks or so, while the couple continued their warning watch. This small, three room, rustic-style cabin is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered to be an outstanding example of Civilian Conservation Corp construction in the Pacific Northwest.

Description

Sitting amongst 40 acres of cross-fenced pastures, Lodgepole Guard Station can easily serve as the base camp for a group of campers and their horses, as well as other large recreation groups. However, while bringing horses and many friends is an option, it's certainly not a requirement; the appeals of the cabin and area are plentiful for couples and small families.

The cozy one story, one bedroom cabin offers a large living room with a wood stove and furnished with a log-style couch, chair and coffee table, a bath with flush toilet and hot shower, and propane heat throughout. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, basic cooking utensils, and a cozy dining nook is furnished with a table and chairs. Also on the site are a former bunkhouse, where firewood is stored, and a barn stable with several horse paddocks.

Area Attractions & Activities

Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding (both on the guard station grounds as well as old logging roads accessible from the guard station). Additional horseback riding trails are a short trailer ride away, and include the South Fork and Middle Fork Trails, as well as the Seven Lakes Trail, all of which lead into the Sky Lakes Wilderness.

Amenities

• Flush Toilet
• Propane Heat
• Heated Shower
• Refrigerator
• Table & Chairs
• Beds
• Picnic Table
• Horse Corrals
• Water Troughs
• Barn
• Cross Fenced Pastures
• 40 Acre Fenced Pasture
• No Lighting

Pets

Pets are welcome. This is a horse friendly facility.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

Drive east from Butte Falls on the Butte Falls-Fish Lake Highway (County Road #821). Less than a mile from town, turn left onto the Butte Fall-Prospect Highway (County Road #992) and travel north on County Road #992. Go 9 miles on County Road #992 to Forest Service Road #34. Turn right, go 5 miles on Forest Service Road #34 until its junction with Forest Service Road #3400-600. Unlock the gate and travel North/Northeast on Forest Service Road #3400-600 1 mile. Turn left through gate and proceed 200 yards to the guard station.

For an alternative route to Lodgepole that bypasses the town of Butte Falls, take State Highway #62 to the town of Prospect. At the Prospect Hotel turn east onto the Butte Falls-Prospect Highway (County Road #992), travel approximately 14 miles and take the left turn on Forest Service Road #34. Travel approximately 4 miles on Forest Service Road #34 until its junction with Forest Service Road #3400-600. Unlock the gate and travel North/Northeast on Forest Service Road #3400-600 1 mile. Turn left through the gate and proceed 200 yards to the guard station.