Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin
4.1510 reviews57600 McKenzie Highway
Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin
$70.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for the cabin during peak season (April 25 - October 18) is $70. Reservation fees ($8 online/$9 phone) and taxes may apply.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the Willamette National Forest, Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This charming rustic retreat, perched near the boundary of the legendary Three Sisters Wilderness, accommodates up to four guests in a setting that feels worlds away from modern life. Here, days unfold with endless possibilities for exploration—from dawn hikes through ancient forests to evenings spent wildlife watching as deer and elk emerge from the treeline.
Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin is a unique lodging option that provides rustic cabin accommodations for up to 4 people. No tent or RV sites are available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to 1933, when young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps hand-built this sturdy cabin as a wilderness outpost. For decades, it served as home to fire guards who lived here in isolation, patrolling the vast forest on horseback, ever vigilant for smoke on the horizon. Today, the cabin stands as a testament to their dedication, its weathered logs and simple furnishings telling stories of a bygone era in forest service history.
Weather and SeasonsFrom April through October, the cabin basks in the perfect mountain climate, with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons ideal for trail adventures and lakeside picnics. As winter arrives, the landscape transforms into a pristine wonderland blanketed in deep snow, where temperatures plummet and access becomes a true backcountry challenge—perfect for those seeking solitude and the raw beauty of an alpine winter.
ElevationPerched at 3,620 feet above sea level, the cabin offers a refreshing escape into the cool embrace of the alpine forest. At this elevation, summer temperatures remain pleasantly mild even on the warmest days, while the thin mountain air carries the scent of pine and fir, reminding visitors they've truly ascended into another world.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by towering Douglas fir, silver fir, and stately ponderosa pine, Box Canyon Guard Station serves as your gateway to nature's grandest displays. Venture out to discover hidden waterfalls cascading down moss-covered cliffs, pristine glacial lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks, and wildflower-strewn alpine meadows that burst with color each summer. This enchanted landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers and volcanic forces that shaped the dramatic terrain.
Geological RegionThe cabin sits at the heart of the Willamette National Forest, on the doorstep of the awe-inspiring Three Sisters Wilderness. This geological wonderland showcases nature's contrasts—from serene alpine meadows carpeted in wildflowers to dramatic lava fields frozen in time, from thundering waterfalls carved by glacial melt to mirror-like lakes cradled in ancient cirques. Towering forests of Douglas fir, silver fir, and ponderosa pine cloak the mountainsides, creating a verdant sanctuary where geological history meets living wilderness.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 16x24 feet in size and sleeps up to 4 people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is described as being in a quiet and secluded area, with one review commenting, "Quiet place with plenty of trails around."
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sufficient drinking water, mosquito repellent, bedding, and flashlights. The cabin provides basic furniture and cleaning supplies, but no electricity or plumbing.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the sole accommodation, and reviews appreciate its rustic charm.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is available from 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out must be completed by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 6 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with adjacent horse corral and outhouse.
Open and Closed SeasonThe cabin is open from early May through October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground does not accept walk-ins.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the scheduled arrival date, but a $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations may forfeit the first night's fee. For cabins, cancellations made less than 14 days before arrival will also forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin offers access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, birding, and wildlife viewing. Proximity to the Three Sisters Wilderness provides access to trailheads and scenic landscapes.
Hiking
Adjacent trailheads lead into the Three Sisters Wilderness and the Chucksney Mountain Roadless Area. The Box Canyon Trail Area provides multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.Fishing
Fishing is available in nearby streams and lakes, which are abundant with trout. One review mentioned amazing fishing experiences: "We were there to fish the south fork and it was amazing."Biking
Mountain biking trails are located in the Box Canyon Trail Area. Specific trail details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The area hosts diverse wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, bald eagles, blacktail deer, and bobcats. User reviews highlight frequent wildlife sightings: "Lots of wildlife and hiking."Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but one review noted colder weather during late-season visits.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings. Guests are encouraged to use locally-sourced firewood.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsThe cabin is in bear country. Food storage precautions are recommended. Wildfires may pose a seasonal risk.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 31%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are at the McKenzie River Ranger District Office. For inquiries, call: 541-822-3381.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 25 - October 18
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out their trash and recyclables. No trash pickup or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresWater is available from a nearby stream but must be treated before consumption.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews noted issues with the wood stove emitting smoke into the cabin. Some guests found the beds uncomfortable.
HostThe McKenzie River Ranger District staff can provide support. Office hours are Monday-Saturday during summer and Monday-Friday the rest of the year.
Campground Map
57600 McKenzie Highway
Driving directionsFrom Blue River, OR, travel approximately 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive/Forest Service (FSR) 19. Turn right and proceed south for approximately 17 miles on Auderheide Drive past Cougar Reservoir to Box Canyon Guard Station. From I-5 in Eugene, OR, take exit 158 for Highway 58 toward Klamath Falls/Oakridge. Travel 31.4 miles on Highway 58, then turn left at the Westfir-Oakridge road. After 1/2 mile turn left on North Fork Road. Stay right to continue on Aufderheide Drive/FSR 19. Box Canyon Guard Station is approximately 32.5 miles from Highway 58.
The cabin is accessible by car and located along well-maintained paved roads. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain to navigate.Nearby places
Blue River: 21 miles (~30 mins)
Eugene: 75 miles (~1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Blue River (~21 miles) or larger stores in Eugene (~75 miles). Ensure to bring all personal items and essentials as the cabin lacks amenities like electricity and potable water.
Camper Reviews
4.2
10 reviews
Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Box Canyon Guard Station Cabin are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on its rustic charm, quietness, and proximity to outdoor recreation. Negative reviews cite issues such as the malfunctioning wood stove and mice inside the cabin.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Praise includes descriptions like "Very sweet spot, easy to find, easy to get to," "Nice little cabin. Off the grid," and "Had a wonderful time. Cabin well built, woodstove worked wonders for an...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback includes the malfunctioning wood stove: "After lighting a fire in it, smoke poured into the cabin," hard twin beds, and occasional road construction noise.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing mosquito repellent, treating stream water before use, and packing essentials like bedding and flashlights.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Late-season visits may experience colder weather, as noted by one review: "We were there late in the season (first week of October), a couple storms had already moved through." Summer visits are...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Very quiet!" "Cabin well built, woodstove worked wonders." "Quiet place with plenty of trails around." "Very few mosquitos at the cabin."
Based on 10 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews focus on the cabin's rustic features and issues like the wood stove malfunctioning.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not addressed in user reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed outside the cabin. One review noted deer sightings and a mouse problem.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025