About BOX CANYON GUARD STATION CABIN
Overview Box Canyon Guard Station sits beneath a canopy of Douglas fir at an altitude of 3,620 feet on the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. It is located approximately 75 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon in the Willamette National Forest. The guard station was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and used as a dwelling for fire guards. They were the smoke chasers, often riding on horseback through the tall timbers to the location spotted by the lookout tower guards. The first on the scene, they often tried to put out any fires they may have found on their own, or reported back for additional help. The guard station is open from early May through the end of October and is easily accessible by car. Some creature comforts are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in most of their own supplies and gear. Recreation Trailheads into the Three Sisters Wilderness and the Chucksney Mountain Roadless Area are adjacent to the Guard Station. The nearby Box Canyon Trail Area offers a variety of multi-use trails for mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers.Facilities The 16x24-ft. cabin sleeps 4 and comes furnished with 2 twin beds with mattresses, a desk, a sofa bed, a table with chairs, wood stove and cleaning supplies. An outhouse, fire ring and picnic table are located nearby. A horse corral that measures approximately 45 feet in diameter is provided. Electricity, firewood and potable water are not provided. Guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. Water is available from a nearby stream, but it should be treated before using. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, dishes and cookware, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Natural Features Box Canyon Guard Station sits at the doorstep of the Three Sisters Wilderness, a range of major peaks. The North, Middle an
How to Get There
From 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.
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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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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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 BOX CANYON GUARD STATION CABIN
Heading to BOX CANYON 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 BOX CANYON GUARD STATION CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for BOX CANYON GUARD STATION CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234175) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BOX CANYON GUARD STATION CABIN?
From 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 r…
How do I contact BOX CANYON GUARD STATION CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-822-3381.
References & Official Resources