About IMNAHA GUARD STATION
Overview Imnaha Guard Station is located in the southwest portion of Oregon's Cascade Range, at an elevation of 3,800 feet. The facility offers a remote setting and most of the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. This cabin does not feature indoor lighting so guests will need to bring lanterns or flashlights. Recreation Hiking and Birdwatching are popular activities among guests visiting this cabin. Bird songs from nuthatches, chickadees, and Steller's jays are common at Imnaha Guard Station. Varied thrush are around and can be identified with their distinct calls that lift from the forest floor. Occasionally the loud drumming of the dilapidated woodpecker can be heard, the largest woodpecker in North America. Sky Lakes wilderness is within a short drive from the cabin and can be accessed from Blue Canyon Trailhead and Alta Lake Trailhead. The Lower South Fork trail is also a short drive from Imnaha Cabin and has multiple trailheads to choose from. Facilities The Imnaha Guard House has a living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, and is designed to comfortably sleep 4 occupants. The bedroom is furnished with a full-size bed, a small closet and one dresser. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, sink, refrigerator, stove, and basic cooking utensils. The bathroom has running water, shower and flush toilet.The heater, stove and refrigerator are operated by propane, and potable water for drinking and cooking is available from the faucet. A picnic table in the backyard permits comfortable outside dining.The cabin features a lava-rock fireplace in the front room. There are no guarantees of firewood. Visitors should bring lanterns, sleeping bags, towels and matches. A very small Forest Service campground called Imnaha, is located within sight of the cabin but will remain closed for the season.Natural Features Imnaha Guard Station is surrounded by an old-growth forest composed of Douglas-fir, white fir, incense cedar, ponderosa pine, sugar pine, and western
How to Get There
From Butte Falls, OR, drive east on the Butte Falls - Fish Lake Highway (County Road 821). Less than a mile from town, turn left onto the Butte Fall - Prospect Highway (County Road 992) and travel north on County Road 992. Go 9 miles on County Road 992 to Forest Road 34. Turn right, go 8 miles on Forest Road 34 until its junction with Forest Road 37. Travel north / northeast on Forest Road 37 for 4.5 miles. Take Imnaha Campground turn-off and continue through campground to find the cabin. From Prospect, OR, at the Prospect Hotel turn east onto the Butte Falls - Prospect Highway (County Road 992), travel 2 or 3 miles and take a left onto Forest Road 37, which continues south to Imnaha Campground turn-off. Wheeled-vehicle access is possible only from late spring through early fall, depending on snow conditions.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
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 IMNAHA GUARD STATION
Heading to IMNAHA GUARD STATION? 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 IMNAHA GUARD STATION?
No central reservation system listed for IMNAHA GUARD STATION. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234165) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to IMNAHA GUARD STATION?
From Butte Falls, OR, drive east on the Butte Falls - Fish Lake Highway (County Road 821). Less than a mile from town, turn left onto the Butte Fall - Prospect Highway (County Road 992) and travel north on County Road 992. Go 9 miles on County Road 992 to Forest Road 34. Turn right, go 8 miles on Forest Road 34 until its junction with Forest Road 37. Travel north / northeast on Forest Road 37 for …
How do I contact IMNAHA GUARD STATION?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-865-2700.
References & Official Resources