About ANTLERS GUARD STATION CABIN
Overview Antlers Guard Station was built in 1935 for the fire crews who patrolled Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The Forest Roads were not yet well developed, and it was impractical for crews to travel daily between the remote parts of the forest and the ranger station. The Civilian Conservation Corps built this structure to allow crews to stay where they worked. Antlers Guard Station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Guests who stay at Antlers Guard Station can still get away from it all while enjoying the basic comforts of home. The cabin is accessible by car.Recreation This cabin is popular with rock hounds, botanists, hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, and ATV riders. Anglers can fish for trout in the North Fork Burnt River.Facilities Antlers Guard Station is a cozy, rustic cabin with 2 small rooms. The combined living room and bedroom is furnished with a double futon and 2 sets of bunk beds that sleep 6 people comfortably. The kitchen has a table and chairs, a propane range and refrigerator, and utensils for cooking and eating. A propane fireplace for heating and propane lights are provided. An outhouse and garage are located near the cabin. Water is available from an outside hand pump, and there is a fire ring and picnic tables for outdoor dining. Guests are required to bring garbage bags to pack out their trash, and they are expected to clean the guard station before leaving. Bedding, towels and emergency items like flashlights and first aid kits are not provided.Natural Features Antlers Guard Station sits at an elevation of 4,107 feet on the west bank of the scenic North Fork of the Burnt River. The surrounding forest is ponderosa pine. Rattlesnakes, mountain lions and black bears inhabit this area (information on bear safety). Nearby Attractions The town of Whitney is 2 miles from Antlers Guard Station. This ghost town, once the home of railway and sawmill workers, fell into decline around 1918. Several long-abandoned building
How to Get There
From Unity, Oregon: go northwest 2 miles toward John Day on Highway 26. Turn right (north) on State Road 245 and go past Unity Reservoir. Approximately 2 miles past the reservoir, turn left (north) on County Road 535 (which becomes County Road 529) and go 18 miles to the Antlers Guard Station on your right. Driving time from Unity is approximately 45 minutes. From Baker City: take State Highway 7 south approximately 38 miles to County Road 529. Turn south at the old Whitney town site. Follow County 529 (approximately 2 miles) along the North Fork of the Burnt River to the Cabin on your left. Driving time from Baker City is one hour. From John Day: take State Highway 26 east to Austin Jct., turn north on State Highway 7 to County Road 529. Drive approximately 15.5 miles, and then turn south at the old Whitney town site. Follow County Road 529 (approximately two miles) along the North Fork of the Burnt River to the cabin on your left. Driving time from John Day is approx. 1 hour.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ANTLERS GUARD STATION CABIN
Heading to ANTLERS GUARD STATION CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ANTLERS GUARD STATION CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for ANTLERS GUARD STATION CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234213) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ANTLERS GUARD STATION CABIN?
From Unity, Oregon: go northwest 2 miles toward John Day on Highway 26. Turn right (north) on State Road 245 and go past Unity Reservoir. Approximately 2 miles past the reservoir, turn left (north) on County Road 535 (which becomes County Road 529) and go 18 miles to the Antlers Guard Station on your right. Driving time from Unity is approximately 45 minutes. From Baker City: take State Highway 7 …
How do I contact ANTLERS GUARD STATION CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-894-2332 or email: campgrounds@anthonylakes.com.
References & Official Resources