Box Canyon Guard Station sits beneath a canopy of Douglas fir at an altitude of 3,620 feet on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. The surrounding landscape features alpine meadows, waterfalls, lava fields, glaciers and glacial lakes abundant with trout. The forest is dense and varied, with Douglas fir, silver fir, sub-alpine fir, mountain hemlock, true fir, lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine.
The guard station was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and used as a dwelling for fire guards. They were the smoke chasers, often riding on horseback through the tall timbers to the location spotted by the lookout tower guards. The first on the scene, they often tried to put out any fires they may have found on their own, or reported back for additional help.
The guard station is accessible by car. Some creature comforts are already provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in most of their own supplies and gear.
The 16x24-ft. cabin sleeps 4 and comes furnished with 2 twin beds with mattresses, a desk, a sofa bed, a table with chairs, wood stove and cleaning supplies. An outhouse, fire ring and picnic table are located nearby. A horse corral that measures approximately 45 feet in diameter is provided. Electricity, firewood and potable water are not provided. Guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. Water is available from a nearby stream, but it should be treated before using. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, dishes and cookware, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
Trailheads into the Three Sisters Wilderness and the Chucksney Mountain Roadless Recreation Area are adjacent to the Guard Station. The nearby Box Canyon Trail Area offers a variety of multi-use trails for mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers.
Know Before You Go
Overnight stays are by reservation only. Walk-ins are not allowed.
There is no water in the cabin; guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing
Guests must pack out all trash and recyclables and clean cabin before leaving
No camping allowed at the cabin, additional camping is available at the adjacent Box Canyon Horse Camp, an 11-site campground
Pets and livestock must remain outside the cabin
Please contact the Ranger District prior to arriving to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms, etc., that may affect your visit
