Tilly Jane Guard Station

Star4.94
14 reviews
C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION, 6780 HWY 35, Parkdale, OR, 97041, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Oregon Nordic Club site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tilly Jane Guard Station
$200.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation Fee: $6.00 (non-refundable). Recreation Fee: $200.00 per night (two-night minimum/maximum required).
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
877-444-6777hello@fotjc.org
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What Campers Say

4.94

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

3 Google reviews

"User reviews highlight the cabin's cozy atmosphere, well-supplied kitchen, and suitability as a basecamp for winter sports. Many visitors praised its unique location below Cooper Spur and its historical charm. However, some noted challenges such as rodent activity and the need for backcountry skills to access the site."

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Campground Map

C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION, 6780 HWY 35, Parkdale, OR, 97041, USA

Tilly Jane Guard Station

C/O HOOD RIVER RANGER STATION, 6780 HWY 35, Parkdale, OR, 97041, USA

Driving directionsFrom Hood River, Oregon, travel south on Highway 35 for 8.5 miles, past the Hood River Ranger Station. Look for the Cooper Spur Inn sign and turn right off Highway 35, just north of Olallie Trailhead, onto Forest Road 3510 and drive to Copper Spur Inn. Turn left at the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Road 3512. The first trailhead is just past the intersection with Forest Service Road 620, with parking on the right and the trail on the left side of the road. The second option is to follow the Cloud Cap Road (FS Road 3512). This is the 9 mile gently sloping road.
The Cloud Cap Road (FS Road 3512) is gated/locked and not plowed in winter, making it inaccessible for regular vehicles. Winter access requires skis or snowshoes. Summer access is via the 9-mile road or the historic Tilly Jane Ski Trail, which is poorly marked.
Nearby places
Hood River (approximately 8.5 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Hood River, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Tilly Jane Guard Station

Winter transforms this high-altitude haven into a snow-laden wonderland where nature rules supreme. Fierce storms can sweep across the mountain without warning, blanketing the landscape in fresh powder while temperatures plummet well below freezing. The deep snowpack that makes access challenging also creates the perfect playground for winter enthusiasts. Visitors must come prepared for Mother Nature at her most dramatic—think howling winds, whiteout conditions, and the kind of bone-chilling cold that makes that crackling wood stove all the more welcoming.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Facility is closed for most of peak summer (open Jan 1–Jun 30 only).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Closed in fall (open only through June 30).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 2% in OR

Open through June; spring offers winter-sport conditions and deep snow even in April.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in OR

Winter is peak season; reviewers praise it as a backcountry ski/snowshoe basecamp with deep snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - June 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open January 1 through June 30, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: None specified.

About Tilly Jane Guard Station

Perched at 5,700 feet on Mt. Hood's rugged northeast slopes, the historic Tilly Jane Guard Station beckons winter adventurers with its promise of authentic backcountry solitude. This charming 1930s cabin, accessible only by ski or snowshoe through pristine winter wilderness, transforms into your personal base camp for exploring some of Oregon's most spectacular alpine terrain. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping descents, peaceful snowshoe meanders, or simply a cozy mountain refuge warmed by wood stove and mountain lore, Tilly Jane delivers an unforgettable high-altitude escape.
Tilly Jane Guard Station provides backcountry cabin accommodations ideal for winter recreation enthusiasts. The site is accessible by trail or road, though both routes can be challenging during winter conditions.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is via the second-story locked snow door. Guests need to dig out the front door for full access.
Stay Limit
Up to 2 nights during a visit at this campground

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Tilly Jane Guard Station offers exceptional opportunities for winter sports, hiking, camping, and exploring the area's historical and cultural sites. Its backcountry setting makes it ideal for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, with trail options such as the Tilly Jane Ski Trail and Cloud Cap Road. "Great location for skiing in the trees and near/below/on the Cooper Spur," one reviewer shared. Visitors also enjoy hiking above the treeline, where views of Mt. Adams, St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, and the Hood River Valley are visible.
HikingThe surrounding area has numerous trails for hiking, though most are unmarked, requiring familiarity with the region. A reviewer mentioned, "The top of Cooper Spur at ~8500 ft was a spectacular day hike in clear weather."
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
Wildlife viewingVisitors can observe wildlife above the treeline and enjoy scenic views of the Hood River Valley and nearby peaks.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe cabin is part of the Cloud Cap/Tilly Jane Historic District, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The historical significance provides cultural insights for visitors.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsExtreme winter weather, poorly marked trails due to the 2008 Gnarl Ridge Fire, and the presence of rodents requiring vigilance for food storage.
Active Alertsroad is closed from late October until early July. | None specified.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Tilly Jane Guard Station

Reviews

4.9
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Tilly Jane Guard Station is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's cozy atmosphere, well-supplied kitchen, and suitability as a basecamp for winter sports. Many visitors praised its unique location below Cooper Spur and its historical charm. However, some noted challenges such as rodent activity and the need for backcountry skills to access the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the cabin's amenities like the fireplace, propane lighting, and kitchen supplies. "Makes a great 'base camp' for backcountry skiing/snowshoeing," stated one reviewer, while another...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by reviewers include rodent activity, requiring vigilance in food storage, and the inefficiency of the fireplace for heating compared to the kitchen stove. One user stated, "Mice are...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra bedding and clothing for warmth, as the cabin's fireplace and stove may take time to heat the space. Melting snow or accessing Tilly Creek for water is necessary, and all water should be...
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Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are highly praised for snowshoeing and skiing opportunities, though visitors should be prepared for deep snow and extreme weather conditions. "Deep snow even in early April," one...
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Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great cozy place to spend a weekend in the woods in the winter." "Cozy cabin in a great location. Deep snow even in early April so we did have to use the 2nd story hatch to enter!" "Wonderful cabin...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews consistently reference the Guard Station cabin positively for its amenities and backcountry setting. "Great location for skiing in the trees and near/below/on the Cooper Spur," noted a user.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include the steep and unmarked trail routes, requiring backcountry navigation skills. Winter visitors may need to dig out the entrance hatch to access the cabin.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not permitted at Tilly Jane Guard Station.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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