Whisky Camp Guard Station

Overview

Whisky Camp, built in the 1940s, was the summer home of a fireguard whose primary duties were to fight and prevent fires, serve as a relief lookout, and perform maintenance on phone lines and trails. Located in the Tiller Ranger District in southwestern Oregon, the cabin now offers relaxation and recreation for visitors throughout the year. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travel to this site, and guests must bring several of their own supplies. Please be aware that in winter months guests may need to snowmobile, ski or snowshoe up to five miles one-way to reach the cabin. Consider this winter travel advisory when making your reservations.

Recreation

The Bunchgrass, Elkhorn and Beaver Creek trails leave from Whisky Camp for hiking or horseback riding. Additional activities include mountain biking, birding, wildlife viewing and photography. In the winter guests enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling (trails may be closed for public safety due to wildfire damage. Please call the Tiller Ranger Station for current updated information).

Facilities

This two-room cabin is equipped with two single beds and two single roll-out beds, both with foam pad mattresses. Amenities inside the cabin include a wall heater, lights, a cook stove with oven and a refrigerator, all powered by propane, which is provided. Provided outside, are picnic tables, a campfire ring, an outdoor grill (not propane) and a vault toilet. An area for pitching a tent is also on-site. Guests must bring several of their own supplies. The cabin does not have food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper or garbage bags. Firewood may be available, but the supply cannot be guaranteed. There is no water available at the site. Guests must bring water necessary for drinking, cooking and washing. Potable water is available at a spigot in front of the Tiller Ranger Station office (45 minutes away).. Although propane lighting is available, bringing an additional light source is recommended.

Natural Features

At an elevation of 3,800 feet, this quaint, red-planked, cedar-roofed cabin is tucked beneath a dense forest of cedar, pine and fir trees. Nicely shaded and secluded, an occasional brilliant shaft of sunlight breaks through the canopy. Large mammals such as elk, deer, black bear and cougar, as well as the smaller residents like squirrels, fox, raccoons and bats, are supported by the diverse forest habitat in the area. Learn more about bear safety.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors may want to take some time to visit nearby Crater Lake National Park for a glimpse into the area's fascinating geological and cultural history.

Guests might also enjoy a day of scenic driving along the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway, located within driving distance of the cabin. Landscapes unfold along the highway, showcasing everything from rolling oak-covered hills and towering coniferous forests to roaring white-water rapids and incised inter-canyon lava flows.