Timpanogas Shelter sits on shore of its namesake lake at an altitude of 5,300 feet in the Willamette National Forest within the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area. It’s situated in a mountainous and heavily forested area where it is possible to see Diamond Peak, Sawtooth and Cowhorn Mountains. Timpanogas Lake is just one of several alpine lakes in the area. The cabin was patterned after the old Civilian Conservation Corps 3-sided shelter and was built in 1991 with the help of a University of Oregon outdoor school class and the Walker Rim Snowmobile Club.
The cabin is typically open from late June through late October. It is accessible by car, but the last 7 miles of the road are rough and narrow.
This rustic 15 x 18 shelter with a dirt floor is designed to accommodate 6-8 people and comes equipped with a sleeping loft, a table with benches and a wood stove for heat. A picnic table, campfire ring and outhouse with pit toilet are located outside. Additional camping is available on-site for up to 20 people.
Drinking water, firewood and electricity are not provided. The cabin does not have a cook stove or cooking supplies. Potable water is available from a hand pump at the nearby Timpanogas Campground until late September.
Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Insect repellent is highly recommended. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
Anglers enjoy fishing for brook trout and cutthroat on upper and lower Timpanogas Lakes, even though the lakes are closed to motorcraft. Canoeing is also possible on the lakes. Those not inclined to fish can enjoy hiking or mountain biking on numerous trails in the Timpanogas area, especially in late August when huckleberries are ripe for picking. This includes the Timpanogas Lake Trail, which starts at the Timpanogas Campground. The Diamond Peak Trail Area, Pacific Crest Trail and Diamond Peak Wilderness are also nearby.
Know Before You Go
Overnight stays are by reservation only. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Drinking water is not provided on-site but is available from a hand pump at the nearby Timpanogas Campground until late September.
Bring lighting devices for the cabin, there are no lights provided
High elevation lakes attract heavy concentrations of mosquitoes through the summer, so come prepared
The last 7 miles of road to this shelter are rough and narrow
Guests must pack out all trash and clean cabin before departure
Smoking is not permitted
Guests should contact the Ranger District prior to arriving to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect their visit
