Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

4.82

26 reviews

1415 W. ROSE

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Oregon#1 Desert Camping Oregon#2 Fall Camping Oregon#3 +2 more

Quick Facts

4,829 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

4,829 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Umatilla National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin non-electric use fee is $45 per night during peak season from May 15, 2025 to November 13, 2025. Rates do not include taxes or incremental...

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-522-6290r6_umatilla_public_inquiries@fs.fed.us

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What Campers Say

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

"Overall, user reviews reflect a highly positive sentiment toward the Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse, emphasizing its cleanliness, scenic views, peaceful environment, and functionality as a rustic cabin escape. Visitors particularly appreciated the panoramic views, stargazing opportunities, and the serene atmosphere at this secluded location."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1415 W. ROSE

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

1415 W. ROSE

Driving directionsFrom Weston, Oregon: Travel 28 miles east of Weston on Highway 204. Turn right (south) onto Forest Service Road 31. Go 9.4 miles to Ruckel Junction. Stay on Forest Service Road 31 and go 17 miles until you reach the junction with Forest Service Road 3113. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 3113 and travel about 0.8 miles to the access road to Summit Guard Station. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right. From Pendleton, Oregon: Travel Interstate 84 east for 34 miles to Exit 243 (Mt. Emily Exit). Take the exit and at the stop sign turn left. Cross the freeway on the overpass and proceed past the ramps to the end of the pavement. Forest Service Road 31 starts here. Travel Forest Service Road 31 for about 12.2 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 3113. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 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.

Access involves gravel roads but they are well-maintained. According to reviews, 'Gravel roads in but well maintained.' Seasonal conditions like snow and fog may affect accessibility.

Nearby places

Weston, Oregon (28 miles east)

Pendleton, Oregon (34 miles east)

Nearby supplies

Null

Best Time to Camp at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Mountain weather here writes its own rules, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Late spring through early fall offers the warmest embrace, with wildflower meadows and comfortable temperatures ideal for exploration. As autumn deepens, crisp air carries the bugle of elk while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland—though fierce winds and heavy snows remind visitors why the early forest rangers needed such sturdy shelters. Morning fog often cloaks the valleys below while the bunkhouse basks in sunshine above the clouds.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in OR

Late spring–early fall highlighted as warmest, comfortable temps and wildflowers; peak season included.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Season open through Nov 13; dramatic mountain weather and good solitude noted in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Late spring offers wildflowers and milder temps; site opens May 15 (reservable period later).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 13–May 15; winter is outside official open season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - November 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to November 13 (reservable period starts June 25, 2025).
Current Alerts: Guests should contact the ranger district for updated fire restrictions and weather conditions before arrival.

About Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Perched high on a mountain ridge where eagles soar and ancient pines whisper stories of the past, Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This 1938 Civilian Conservation Corps masterpiece seamlessly blends rustic charm with thoughtful modern conveniences—propane heat warms chilly mountain evenings while gas lights cast a golden glow perfect for card games and storytelling. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: track elk through morning mist, fill baskets with wild huckleberries, pedal mountain bike trails that wind through towering forests, or simply lose yourself in the brilliance of unpolluted night skies where the Milky Way blazes overhead.

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse is primarily a cabin rental facility but allows additional tent camping in the yard.

Historical SignificanceStep through the door and into living history, where every weathered beam tells tales of America's conservation legacy. What began as the Summit Ranger Station in 1908—a lonely outpost in the newly designated Wenaha National Forest—evolved into this sturdy bunkhouse in 1938, crafted by the skilled hands of young Civilian Conservation Corps workers during the Great Depression. These walls have sheltered generations of forest guardians who protected these lands that would later become part of the expanded Umatilla National Forest, preserving this wilderness treasure for future adventurers.

Weather and SeasonsMountain weather here writes its own rules, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Late spring through early fall offers the warmest embrace, with wildflower meadows and comfortable temperatures ideal for exploration. As autumn deepens, crisp air carries the bugle of elk while winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland—though fierce winds and heavy snows remind visitors why the early forest rangers needed such sturdy shelters. Morning fog often cloaks the valleys below while the bunkhouse basks in sunshine above the clouds.

ElevationHigh above the everyday world, the bunkhouse commands its ridge-top throne with the authority of a mountain monarch. This lofty perch delivers more than spectacular panoramas—it creates its own microclimate where summer temperatures remain refreshingly cool, autumn colors arrive early, and winter storms deliver their full dramatic impact. Standing here, you'll understand why forest rangers chose this commanding viewpoint to watch over their vast domain.

Natural Features and SceneryNature stages a perpetual performance from this ridge-top theater box, where cathedral groves of Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs frame sweeping vistas of the Blue Mountains' greatest peaks—Wilbur, Spring, Sugarloaf, and Green Mountains rise like ancient sentinels on the horizon. The supporting cast never disappoints: ruby-throated hummingbirds dart between scarlet Indian paintbrush, mountain chickadees provide cheerful soundtrack accompaniment, while golden-crowned kinglets and white-crowned sparrows flit through branches overhead. Come summer, the understory explodes in botanical fireworks as delicate orchids mingle with purple lupine spikes and electric-blue larkspur.

Geological RegionThe dramatic breaks of Meacham Canyon create a landscape of contrasts where high ridges plunge into deep valleys, all cloaked in the emerald embrace of Umatilla National Forest. This geological wonderland showcases nature's architectural prowess—weathered ridgelines sculpted by millennia of wind and water stand guard over pristine valleys where massive Ponderosa pines and Douglas firs sink roots deep into ancient soils. Four mountain peaks—Wilbur, Spring, Sugarloaf, and Green—punctuate the horizon like compass points, helping visitors navigate this spectacular corner of the Blue Mountains where every vista tells the story of Earth's patient artistry.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

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Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 guests are accommodated in the cabin.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin with adjacent yard allowing for tent pitching.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNull

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified for a $10 change fee. Late cancellations for cabins incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee if canceled less than 14 days before the arrival date.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features have been documented for this campground.

Site SizeAdditional tent camping in the yard allows for flexibility, but the cabin itself is designed to accommodate up to four guests.

PrivacyReviews highlight the secluded and serene nature of the cabin, providing a quiet atmosphere for visitors.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesThe cabin offers 'plenty of comfortable shelter for cooking, eating, and sleeping' according to reviews. It's highly recommended to bring water and supplies due to the remote location.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse provides opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, historic exploration, and outdoor recreation such as mountain biking and berry picking. The cabin’s ridge-top location offers panoramic views ideal for photography and stargazing.

BikingMountain biking is listed as an activity available at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse.

Wildlife viewingBird and wildlife watching is exceptional at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse, with species such as kinglets, sparrows, chickadees, and hummingbirds commonly seen.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential exposure to hantavirus in remote cabins. Weather conditions like snow and fog may make travel conditions challenging.

Active AlertsGuests should contact the ranger district for updated fire restrictions and weather conditions before arrival.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

Reviews

4.8

26 reviews

Top-Rated

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews reflect a highly positive sentiment toward the Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse, emphasizing its cleanliness, scenic views, peaceful environment, and functionality as a rustic cabin escape. Visitors particularly appreciated the panoramic views, stargazing opportunities, and the serene atmosphere at this secluded location.

Review Summaries

Based on 26 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, comfortable beds, stunning views, quiet and peaceful environment, propane-powered utilities, and opportunities for outdoor activities like stargazing and birdwatching.

Based on 26 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water requires guests to bring their own supply. Some users commented that the cabin is not the most well-equipped Forest Service lodging.

Based on 26 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests should bring adequate water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as well as food, bedding, towels, garbage bags, dish soap, and a first aid kit. Binoculars are recommended for bird watching.

Based on 26 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the cabin remains functional and enjoyable throughout the year but suggest preparation for colder weather during winter months. Activities like stargazing and birdwatching may...

Based on 26 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This cabin is exceptional—quiet with great views and hikes. Bring your own water. No electricity, but propane heat, light, and stove.' – Eric Valentine. 2. 'You get the best of both worlds, a...

Based on 26 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mostly discuss campsite 001 within the Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the facility, the ample supply of cooking materials, and the...

Based on 26 reviews