The large historic Clackamas Ranger Cabin once housed the District Ranger and his Resource Assistant as well as seasonal workers who traveled their District on horseback. The Resource Assistant soon married and the "Honeymoon Cabin" was built nearby for the newlyweds. Sadly the Honeymoon Cabin burned down in 2003, but much of this historic Ranger Station is still intact making a stay at the Ranger’s cabin memorable and educational about Forest Service history of the era.
The 1,380 square foot two-story cabin features a fireplace insert in the living room, a large dining table, a fully equipped kitchen, sun porch, a bathroom with flush toilet, sink and shower, and 3 large bedrooms with new mattresses. The downstairs bedroom has a queen bed; the east upstairs bedroom, a full and twin bed. The west upstairs bedroom has a set of bunk beds and two twins. The refrigerator, range and hot water heater operate on propane. The lights and electrical outlets are powered by a generator. The cabin interior is knotty pine and the exterior is a semi-lunate half round (tongue and grove siding) to resemble logs in the Cascadian style. On-site volunteer caretakers help maintain the site and provide interpretive tours as well as staff the small Visitor Center/Historic Museum. Fire wood and garbage service are provided as well as mattresses, dishes and dish towels. Sheets and blankets, sleeping bags, and bath towels must be supplied by the renter.
The generator that operates the lights and electricity at the cabin is old, finicky and high maintenance. Future plans include installing a timer, but for now, please run the generator only between 6-10 a.m. and between 5-10 p.m. The cabin is also equipped with four propane lanterns that can provide light outside of those hours or if the generator malfunctions during your stay. There is also a stove top percolator coffee pot and old fashioned toaster. There are no cabin rental refunds if the generator breaks down. The refrigerator, stove, and hot water will all still function and lanterns should provide you an old fashioned cabin experience!
- Availability: Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Cabin is available for rent from just before Memorial Day weekend to late October. There can be snow early and late in the season.
- Price and Capacity: $161.00 per night per group on weekdays, $181.00 per night per group on weekends and holidays (this includes county lodging taxes). There is a maximum of eight occupants for the cabin and the site. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the cabin.
- Reservations: There is a two night minimum stay. The maximum length stay is seven consecutive nights. Check in time is 2 pm. Check out time is 12 noon. Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov
History
The Ranger's Cabin was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and is located across the road from the old District Ranger’s office – now a two room Visitor Center -on the Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger Station compound. The cabin logs, knotty pine paneling, and large rock fireplace in this historic two story home highlights its "cabin in the woods" charm. Visit the small museum in the Visitor Center and take an interpretive tour of the compound to learn more about how the Forest Service looked before computers!
