Sunshine Guard Station

$60.00/night

Show on map 541-820-3800 sm.fs.malpubinfo@usda.gov

431 Patterson Bridge Rd
John Day, OR 97845

Overview

Sunshine Guard Station is situated along John Day River in the Malheur National Forest at an elevation of 3,700 feet, about 43 miles northeast of John Day, Oregon. The former guard station was built in 1936 and until the 1990s was used alternatively as a bunkhouse or a work station for fireguards.

The guard station can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Recreational options include fishing for steelhead and rainbow trout in the John Day River. Restrictions apply; visitors should refer to Oregon State regulations.

There are hiking trails and back roads to the north of the guard station that lead into the nearby Vinegar Hill / Indian Rock Scenic Area.

Wildlife viewing is popular, as is scenic driving.

Facilities

This rustic four-room cabin sleeps up to six and has a kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms. The living room is furnished with a futon, two chairs, a coffee table and an end table. The larger bedroom is furnished with a queen-sized bed and a closet, while the smaller bedroom offers a queen-sized bed and a chair.

The kitchen is furnished with a table and four chairs, electric refrigerator, and stove. Electric heat and lights are provided, and a vault toilet is located next to the cabin.

There is no water in the cabin. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Roads to the guard station are paved and maintained for summer and winter access.

No pets allowed in the Guard Station.

Natural Features

The guard station has a view of the Middle Fork of the John Day River. The Vinegar Hill Forest/Indian Rock Scenic Area is nearby. The 25,000-acre area includes a 10 mile ridgeline that comprises the summit of the Greenhorn Range in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. Outcrops of serpentine, rhyolite, basalt, granite, and shale can be seen. Agates can also be found on some of the rocky slopes.

Wildlife includes elk and deer, songbirds and, in the river, steelhead and trout. Nearly every type of alpine wildflower found west of the Rockies can be blooming at different times in this area.

Magone Lake is about 20 miles west of the guard station.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 575-3000.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 30 ft
Largest party: 7 people

Directions

From Prairie City, OR., travel east on US Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction of US Highway 7. Turn left on US Highway 7, travel one mile to the junction with County Road 20/ Middle Fork Road. Turn left and follow County Road 20 approximately 13 miles, the guard station will be on the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 4 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

37 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

bart j

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

I would rate my stay as ok. The station was full of flies, fortunately there was bug spray in the building. The building could use some repairs, ( seals around doors and windows ). I would rate it as a good place to stay for 1 - 2 nights.

Kristen L

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

No cell service. There is a spring about a mile away for delicious water.

Annette B

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

if you stay here check out the little town of galena and hidden off a forest service road nearby it is an abandoned mining town with a few buildings still standing. also check out the trail behind the cabin, i heard there was a neat spot up there but didnt have time to check it out. FYI there is a creek right next to the driveway but down the road there is a campground with water available to fill up jugs.

Jeffrey D

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 8 months ago

Unfortunately the guests that visited lest the house a complete mess. We spent hours cleaning and airing out the smoke smell inside.

Lawrence B

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed 10 months ago

Had to do a lot of clean up. There were hundreds of dead flies on floors, table, counters and window seals. Fly strips were totally covered and some live flies were around. We expected some clean up, but not this. Replaced the fly strips with new ones. Over all the cabin was a great place to stay.

Diane B

Loop:Loop A

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

We were very happy to see that most of the recent issues with Sunshine have been addressed. We love the remote location and the rustic feel of the cabin, but mostly the quiet beauty of the area. Really enjoyed our stay!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 18% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.