Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Summit Guard Station - Oregon

Umatilla National Forest

***(Construction ALERT!)***

History

This site was originally established some time before 1908 as the Summit Ranger Station as part of the former Wenaha National Forest. The original cabin was replaced by a 2-story residence, plus a garage, a gas house, and a barn that were all constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. The site is a good example of a CCC era Forest Service field station. Summit Cabin was constructed in 1938 as a guard station; the cabin was also used as a cookhouse for fire crew tent camps in the 1970s.

Description

The rustic bunkhouse, with one multi-use room for cooking, sleeping and relaxing, is furnished with a table and four chairs and four bed frames with mattresses. It is equipped with propane lights, a propane heater and range.

There is no water on site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located nearby. Pets are allowed but must be kept leashed and outside. Smoking is not permitted.

Area Attractions & Activities

Be sure to bring binoculars and a camera for the beautiful views. Prominent points in the area include Wilbur Mountain, Spring Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Green Mountain. Historical attractions include the Whitman Route Overlook. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. Wildlife viewing includes mule and white tailed deer, elk, and an occasional bear. Bird watchers should keep binoculars handy as many varieties of birds, including fly catchers, jays, hummingbirds, swallows, chickadees, creepers, bluebirds, wrens, kinglets, sparrows, warblers and finches, are common in the area. Wild flowers can be seen in the area, including lupines, larkspur, monkey flower, Indian paintbrush, and orchids, depending on the time of year.

Amenities

• Outhouse
• No Water
• Propane Heater
• Propane Lights
• Range

There is additional space in the yard for tent camping.

Pets

Pets are welcome but must be leashed and outside.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

This site is located approximately 41 miles southeast of Pendleton, Oregon on the Umatilla National Forest.

From Pendleton, OR travel Interstate 84 east for 34 miles to Exit 243 (Mt. Emily Exit). Take the off ramp to the right off the freeway. At the stop sign turn left and cross the freeway on the overpass. Proceed past the freeway ramps on the right to the end of the pavement; Forest Service Road (FSR) 31 starts here. Travel FSR 31 for about 12.2 miles to the junction with FSR 3113. Turn left on FSR 3113 and travel about 0.8 miles to the access road to the Summit Guard Station. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right.

From La Grande, OR travel Interstate 84 west for 18 miles to Exit 243 (Mt. Emily Exit). Follow the directions above.

Automobile access to the site runs from June 1 to November 1, and parking is available at the guard station.

Winter use will require alternate transportation such as skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile. Skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers can access the cabin from a Sno-Park located on FSR 31 about 1.7 miles from Interstate 84. The route follows the roads listed above. From the Sno-Park the travel distance to the cabin is approximately 11.3 miles, including a 1 mile climb.