About Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area
Located 35 minutes of northwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon, Pelican Guard Station is a worthwhile stop along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Constructed in 1933 by a Civilian Conservation Corps Crew, it served as a residence and base-of-operations for the Forest Service seasonal fire guard and fire crews. It exhibits a simple, utilitarian design referred to as “stripped rustic,” which was lower in cost and faster to build than modern guard stations.Today, you can explore the vintage guard station and garage from the outside and learn more about its history on the information kiosk. There are two picnic tables, two charcoal barbecues, and one vault toilet, making Pelican a good place for a lunch or pit stop.A mixed conifer forest shades the day use area and it borders the riparian area of Varney Creek. There is a Nature Watch Interpretive Site across the street at the Pelican barn, which was added a couple years after the guard station.One notable attraction at the Pelican Guard Station is the mortar rock fireplace built with basalt cobbles that are common to the area. A “P” to signify “Pelican” is embedded on the fireplace with red cinder blocks and bottle caps. The “P” is a reminder of past residents of Pelican Guard Station who battled forest fires.Alert: No potable water is available. Visitors need to bring an adequate supply of water. Please pack it out and practice Leave No Trace principles.
How to Get There
From Klamath Falls, OR:Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area is located is located 30 minutes northwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon. From Klamath Falls, take Oregon Highway 140 west toward Medford, Oregon, for approximately 25 miles and turn right Westside Road. Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area will be located on the right side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area
Heading to Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area? 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 Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area?
No central reservation system listed for Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/246273) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area?
From Klamath Falls, OR:Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area is located is located 30 minutes northwest of Klamath Falls, Oregon. From Klamath Falls, take Oregon Highway 140 west toward Medford, Oregon, for approximately 25 miles and turn right Westside Road. Pelican Guard Station Day Use Area will be located on the right side of the road.
References & Official Resources
