Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse

$45.00/night

Overview

Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse sets the stage for a truly relaxing getaway. Located on the breaks of Meacham Canyon in Umatilla National Forest, spectacular views of the Blue Mountains are guaranteed. The rustic bunkhouse, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, dates back to 1938.

The site of the cabin was the Summit Ranger Station in 1908, when the land was part of the Wenaha National Forest. Wenaha was one of the first national forests in the country, established in 1907. It was renamed Umatilla National Forest in 1920.

Recreation

Bird and wildlife watching is exceptional at Summit.

Facilities

The single-room cabin accommodates up to four guests. The red, wood framed cabin has two full beds and two twin beds with mattresses, a table and four chairs, and is equipped with a propane cook stove, propane lights and a propane heater. The cabin is stocked with a limited supply of pots, pans, eating utensils and cleaning supplies. A vault toilet is located a short distance from the cabin and additional guests may use the yard to pitch a tent. No water is available on-site, so guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. Other items to bring include food, bedding, towels, garbage bags, dish soap and a first aid kit. It's a great idea to bring binoculars as well. Click here for more cabin details.

Natural Features

Summit Guard Station is located on a high ridge nestled in an open stand of large Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir. The view to the south and west from this ridge-top setting is exceptional. Prominent points in the area include Wilbur Mountain, Spring Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain and Green Mountain.

Bird species in the region include kinglets, sparrows, chickadees and hummingbirds, while wildflowers include larkspur, lupine and orchids.

Nearby Attractions

The Whitman Route Overlook is a short drive away, boasting views of Meacham Canyon and the Hell Hole Roadless Area, as well as a look back into the history of the area.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (509) 522-6276.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Largest party: 4 people

Directions

From Weston, Oregon: Travel 28 miles east of Weston on Highway 204. Turn right (south) onto Forest Service Road 31. Go 9.4 miles to Ruckel Junction. Stay on Forest Service Road 31 and go 17 miles until you reach the junction with Forest Service Road 3113. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 3113 and travel about 0.8 miles to the access road to Summit Guard Station. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right. From Pendleton, Oregon: Travel Interstate 84 east for 34 miles to Exit 243 (Mt. Emily Exit). Take the exit and at the stop sign turn left. Cross the freeway on the overpass and proceed past the ramps to the end of the pavement. Forest Service Road 31 starts here. Travel Forest Service Road 31 for about 12.2 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 3113. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 3113 and travel about 0.8 miles to the access road to the Summit Guard Station. Turn left onto the access road and follow the road to the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

26 reviews
5 stars
18
4 stars
4
3 stars
3
1 stars
1
Zenas G
Loop:Area Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse
Site:
Reviewed 25 days ago
Total throwback. If you need frills give it a pass. If you love rustic and an amazing view of the sunset, give it a go.
James R
Loop:Area Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse
Site:
Reviewed 4 months ago
Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse is a true gem. The views are incredible, and the location is incredibly peaceful. The cabin was very clean when we arrived and everything was in working order (range, heater, propane lanterns). I was surprised by how well stocked the cabin was with kitchenware, I had brought all my camp cooking gear, but never needed it as the cabin had everything I needed. The images on the website are a bit dated, the cabin has two bunk beds, where the bottom of each bunk is a double. The cabin comfortably slept 4 adults and 4 dogs during our visit. We'll definitely be back in the future. One additional note, while this cabin is decently removed from population centers, its possible people stop by to use the pit toilet. This happened during our stay.
Jeff J
Loop:Area Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
I would have rated it excellent but I was locked out of the cabin in the middle of the night due to a broken electronic entry deadbolt. I had to climb back in a window that fortunately I had left slightly open. After that I left the back door unlocked uncase it happened again, which it did. I'm 67 and it was cold and I almost fell on my face climbing in a window but I had no car keys or cabin keys and no gear. The ranger was outstanding. I can't wait to go back..
Sean G
Loop:Area Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
I have stayed there for the last 5 years for a week at a time. It is what it is. It is old and dated but it is to be expected. For what it is it is very cozy. I like having a nice bathroom on site. The views are amazing.
Michael E
Loop:Area Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here in late July. So quiet and an insane amount of stars at night. No complaints about the listed amenities. A gem.
Tracy F
Loop:Area Summit Guard Station Bunkhouse
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
The views are spectacular. The cabin is ok. Considering where you’re at, it did well. The outhouse had zero toilet paper, just a lot of empty rolls. No instructions on how to turn on the gas heat or gas lights, we did figure it out after messing with them.. but you would think some instructions would be useful. They had a fire pit, but a sign when entering the area point to no camp fires, we were not sure if this applied or not. Cabin had a lot of board games, which was nice.
Availability

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

Reserve
Popularity: Very busy

Busiest in November, when about 88% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 4 years of reservations.

Season dates

Peak season

May 15, 2026 – Nov 13, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

May 15, 2027 – Nov 13, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

May 15, 2028 – Nov 13, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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