Ditch Creek Guard Station

The numbers that decide it

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero.

Ditch Creek Guard Station

**June 24, 2022 There is currently no water at Ditch Creek** A pole fence encircles the large yard and a forest of pine hugs the perimeter of Ditch Creek Guard Station. Nearby is a small corral with trough to contain recreational stock animals. Not much has changed around here in a handful of decades, so come and experience the life of a forest fireguard who would unhitch his horse and ride the trails deep into the forest’s interior to look for wisps of smoke from lightning strikes or check on communications lines along the Forest Service roads. The cabin, set on a large, flat lawn, is a one-story building containing a bedroom, living room, bathroom and a kitchen with nook. The bedroom is furnished with a dresser, chair and two twin bunk beds (with matresses). The living room is comfortably furnished with a table and four chairs, a loveseat, a couch/futon, end tables and a heating stove. The bathroom has a flush toilet, sink, and shower. The kitchen is well equipped with a refrigerator, cook stove, fire extinguisher, cookware, silverware and dishes. The nook features two additional chairs and a small table. *Water System is currently down. When the water system is down visitors will need to bring their own drinking and washing water as there is no water source nearby. During this time, the toilet can still be used, but the tank will need to be manually refilled with water to flush. When the water system is operational (typically May through early October), hot and cold water is available inside the cabin and a spigot is located near the corral for watering stock. Water is turned off October through April to protect pipes from freezing. All appliances and lighting are propane, which is provided by the Forest Service. There is a utility closet in the entrance area with a mop, broom, and cleaning supplies. Guests are expected to clean the premises prior to leaving. There is no garbage service, so please pack any refuse home. 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). Pets and recreational stock are allowed and the site features a 20 x 20 foot corral. • Do call the Heppner Ranger District three business days before your arrival date to receive a combination for cabin access. Our office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM and our phone number is (541) 676-2111. • Availability: Ditch Creek Guard Station is typically available for rent May 15 through November 23. History Ditch Creek Guard Station was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 or 1935. The cabin is a classic example of building construction by CCC crews on the Umatilla National Forest . It is located at an elevation of 4,700 feet above sea level near Ditch Creek, one of numerous small perennial streams that flow south into the North Fork John Day River . The building complex is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

Before you go

Scenic drives that pass close

• Blue Mountain3 mi
• Journey Through Time17 mi