Ludlum House

Show on map541-247-3600
29279 Ellensburg Avenue
Gold Beach, OR 97415

Overview

The Ludlum House is situated at the base of a mixed-conifer forest at the confluence of Wheeler Creek and the Winchuck River in southwestern Oregon, offering guests a unique setting for recreation and relaxation.


The house was rebuilt in 1999 as a near-replica of the original two-story Ludlum family vacation house. Mr. Ludlum, an oil-company executive, constructed the house in 1939, then sold the property to the Forest Service following World War II.



The accessible home offers some of the amenities needed for a comfortable lodging experience, although guests will need to bring several of their own supplies to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.

Recreation

Hiking, wildlife viewing and fishing top the list of recreational opportunities in the area surrounding the Ludlum House.

Just steps away from the banks of the Winchuck River, the cabin provides fantastic fishing opportunities for Coho salmon, Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout and steelhead trout. The river is closed to fishing above the Wheeler Creek confluence to provide a refuge for wild fish, but anglers will some excellent steelhead waters below this point, including several miles on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Standard winter steelhead tactics such as drift fishing, floating jigs, or swinging flies work well on this gravel and cobble-bottomed river. Flies such as spruce flies or bucktail streamers work well for sea-run cutthroat.

The Oregon Redwoods Trail provides a unique accessible hiking opportunity through a grove of majestic old-growth redwood trees. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about old-growth tree ecology, fire history, wildlife, and botany in the area along Peavine Ridge in the Winchuck River drainage.

Redwood trees in this area represent the only coastal redwoods found in the Pacific Northwest Region, located at the limit of their northern range. The trail is an out/back design with a short loop at the far end, where a picnic stop is provided. A short wooden deck provides access to the inside of a hollowed redwood tree.

Facilities

Ludlum House is two stories and features one room on a lower floor, and a three-quarter dividing wall upstairs. The first floor, porch and surrounding grounds are all accessible. Picnic tables and a campfire ring are located near the cabin, as well as an accessible vault toilet. While the house and grounds can accommodate up to 60 guests maximum, there are no beds. The house is minimally furnished with a table and chairs, a sink and food preparation counter and a wood stove. There is no firewood available at this site, visitors must bring their own. Guests must also provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a light source (battery powered lights are preferred), towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Water is available on site from a hand pump. Solar lighting is available, though it is recommended that guests bring an additional light source (battery operated lights). The use of candles is prohibited. Tent space and room for trailer parking is available near the cabin.

Natural Features

The Ludlum House is somewhat secluded and surrounded by a towering old-growth forest, with an expanse of lawn stretching out before it. Within an 1.5 hour drive from the house, guests have access to the rugged southern Oregon and northern California coasts and further south, the Redwood National Park.

The nearby Winchuck River flows into the Pacific Ocean about 0.5 miles north of the Oregon and California border and approximately 5 miles south of Brookings, Oregon. Five major tributaries, Wheeler Creek, East Fork, Fourth of July Creek, Bear Creek and South Fork, make up the Winchuck River system. Mt. Emily, at 2,926 feet, is the highest point in the basin.

Diverse landscapes provide habitat for a wide-range of wildlife, including black-tailed deer and an occasional black bear, to squirrels and salmon. Sensitive wildlife species such as Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet are present in the watershed as well. These species, along with many others, depend on the surrounding undeveloped wilderness, undisturbed wetlands, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

Nearby Attractions

Next to the rental, you can hike the Chimney Camp Trail # 1279 is a beautiful trail about 2.3 miles length, one way, of easy to moderate hiking on old road. Special precaution most be taken when fording Wheeler Creek. This trail it is not fully accessible for people with disabilities. Parking area available at the Trail Head.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Fire pit: all 1 sites
  • ADA accessible: all 1 sites
  • Largest party: 60 people

Directions

From Portland OR, follow 1-5S to US 199S to Brookings. From Brookings, travel south on U.S. Highway 101 for 5 miles to the junction of Winchuck River Road (County Road 896). Proceed up Winchuck River Road for about 7 miles to Forest Service Road 1107. Follow Forest Service Road 1107 approximately 2 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 1108. Follow Forest Service Road 1108 for about 2 miles to the Ludlum Recreation Area. Turn right into the Ludlum Campground and travel the road within the campground to the house.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

15 reviews
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dawn g
Loop:Area Ludlum House
Site:
Reviewed 9 months ago
We loved it but there were lights missing and the road was so bad we probley won't beable to drive in there again we wanted to start making it a Thanksgiving tradition. It was a great Thanksgiving a few repairer would make it do able for the cost of 125 .
Yana H
Loop:Area Ludlum House
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Reviewed 10 months ago
I recently hosted a retreat at Ludlum House, and I can honestly say — this place is one of a kind. Hidden deep within the forest yet just a short drive from the city, it’s the perfect balance between accessibility and complete disconnection. The moment you arrive, you feel like you’ve stepped into another realm — where time slows down, the air feels alive, and the trees seem to breathe with you. The amenities are beyond what you’d expect for such a private and secluded space. The house is fully equipped — cozy, warm, and spacious, with everything you need for comfort. There’s a large kitchen perfect for preparing nourishing meals, beautiful bedrooms surrounded by forest views, and inviting outdoor spaces for morning meditations and sound healing under the canopy of ancient trees. What makes Ludlum House truly magical is the privacy and sacred energy. There are no distractions, no noise — only the sound of the river, the wind, and your own heartbeat aligning with nature. It’s a sanctuary for deep connection — to yourself, your group, and the Earth.
matthew h
Loop:Area Ludlum House
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Our dog was mauled and killed by a mountain lion in the parking lot. Campground is overgrown and needs to be cleared out, the mountain lion has a spot across the road up on the hill that is uses to stalk all the rabbits you will see early in the morning in the yard around the house.
Gregory C
Loop:Area Ludlum House
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful house located in a beautiful location.
Melanie T
Loop:Area Ludlum House
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Reviewed a year ago
Beautiful house and property! River easily accessible with many fire pits and horse shoe pits. We brought a volleyball net which kept the gang more than occupied.
Sara P
Loop:Area Ludlum House
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Reviewed 3 years ago
This is a very special place for us, but unfortunately has been continuously neglected every year. The cabin is rustic, and have been coming here for 11 years. That being said last year someone stole the battery for the solar lights and it was very dark inside. This year the fixed the battery but the main light over the inside table wasn’t working. We did come prepared at least this year for that. But one window has been boarded up, I suspect someone vandalized it again. So this made it darker inside. It is very sad that people have to ruin so many things. It is just hard for us since the price has tripled since we started visiting the house, and it has become more run down. The outhouse was missing the toilet lid to help keep the smell and bugs down, the lock is also broken and needs replaced. The deck needs some TLC, and inside the cabin needs a nice deep cleaning at least once in a while. I know I am expecting too much but with the price, and lack of care it’s hard for me to justify going. I keep hoping that it will get some improvements every year, we try to do some cleaning up while there but we are on our family vacation. It is one of the kid’s favorite places to go every summer. This is not a place for everyone, our family enjoys the lack of Wi-Fi, the rustic camping experience, the cold river, and being in nature. I just wish it would get some TLC and bring the Ludlum house back to how it was.
Availability

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

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 15% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 11 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds