Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Tamarack Lookout Cabin - Oregon

Umatilla National Forest

***(Construction ALERT!)***

History

Imagine climbing to the top of the tallest tree around, building a platform, and then sitting there as the tree swayed in the breeze, watching for lightning strikes and tell-tale curls of smoke across the region. The original lookout for forest fire detection on this site was a platform built in a tree back in 1925. The current 96' steel Aermotor tower replaced the glorified tree fort in 1933. Tamarack Lookout Cabin, the housing for Forest Service personnel using the lookout for fire detection, was built in 1934. An accidental fire destroyed the cabin in 1966, and a garage/utility shed was then converted into the existing cabin.

Description

The cozy little converted shed offers one room packed with amenities. It is furnished with a set of bunk beds and a wood table with five chairs. It is equipped with propane lights, heating stove and a cook stove, a refrigerator, and cookware, silverware and dishes. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located near the cabin.

A picnic table and a fire pit are located near the cabin for outdoor dining and campfires. (The fire pit may only be used during acceptable fire danger levels; inquire at the District Office prior to arrival). Visitors are welcome to climb the lookout tower and enjoy the view.

Area Attractions & Activities

Over 26 miles of trails throughout the Heppner Ranger District can be accessed from the cabin for hiking or horseback riding. Plentiful fishing opportunities abound in streams throughout the District, as well as at Penland Lake (electric motors only) and Bull Prairie Lake (no motors allowed). The West End Off-Highway Vehicle Area (FS Rd 22 west) consists of over 91,000 acres open to Class I and III All Terrain Vehicles. Morrow County OHV Park is also located 14 miles southwest. Other activities include hunting, wildlife viewing, bird watching and enjoying the scenery.

Winter recreation is uncertain in this area. The snowfall varies, and there are often sunny days that leave patchy snow, making snowmobiling or cross-country skiing difficult.

Amenities

• Outhouse
• Propane Heat
• Lights
• Refrigerator
• Cook Stove

There is no additional camping at the site.

Pets

Pets are welcome.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From West I-84 take Highway 74 to Lexington/Heppner. Drive 45 miles through the towns of Ione and Lexington to Heppner. Continue south on Highway 207 for 39 miles through Heppner, Ruggs, Hardman and past Anson Wright County Park to the junction of Highway 207 and Forest Service Road (FSR) 24 (0.1 miles past the Bull Prairie Campground turn-off). Turn left (east) on FSR 24 (gravel) and travel 6.5 miles to FSR 2407. Turn right (south) on FSR 2407 and travel 1.5 miles to FSR 040. Travel a half a mile on FSR 040 to the cabin. The cabin is on the right before the helispot.

Automobile access to the cabin runs from mid-May thru mid-November (high clearance vehicles are recommended) and also depends on the weather conditions. Winter use of the cabin can be uncertain, as snow levels vary and the last mile to the cabin is very steep.