At 4,979 feet above sea level, Tamarack Mountain overlooks the John Day River basin, between Spray and Kimberly. The lookout and the mountain it tops are named after the western larch, a tree that is particularly fond of growing conditions in the Blue and Wallowa mountains. Western tanagers and dusty flycatchers frequent their branches. Purple-blue spikes of lupine, white and pink yarrow and yellow balsamroot add bursts of color.
The cozy little converted shed offers one room packed with amenities. It is furnished with two sets of twin bunk beds and a wood table with chairs. It is equipped with propane lights, heating stove, cook stove. Cookware, silverware and dishes are also available for renters. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located near the cabin.
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).
2015: The Lookout will be staffed this year by an Oregon Department of Forestry employee. You can expect to see them during your stay. Visitors are welcome to climb the lookout tower,enjoy the view and learn a little about wildfire detection techniques.
Do call the Heppner Ranger District three to five business days before your arrival date to receive a combination for cabin access. Heppner Ranger District's phone number is (541) 676-2111 and we are open Monday through Friday, 7:45 AM to 4:30 PM. Reservations are made through www.recreation.gov only.
- Availability: Tamarack Lookout Cabin is available for rent May 15 through November 23.
History
Imagine climbing to the top of the tallest tree around, building a platform, and then sitting there as the tree swayed in the breeze, watching for lightning strikes and tell-tale curls of smoke across the region. The original lookout for forest fire detection on this site was a platform built in a tree back in 1925. The current 96' steel Aermotor tower replaced the glorified tree fort in 1933. Tamarack Lookout Cabin, the housing for Forest Service personnel using the lookout for fire detection, was built in 1934. An accidental fire destroyed the cabin in 1966, and a garage/utility shed was then converted into the existing cabin.
