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Fall River Guard Station is situated beneath a canopy of lodgepole pine on the banks of the Fall River in Deschutes National Forest. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, the cabin was originally used as an outpost to fight forest fires. The cabin is an ideal setting for relaxation and recreation, and is available for reservation from April to October. Recreation Fall River Guard Station is a prime location for fishing, swimming and hiking in summer and early fall. Anglers will enjoy casting a line into Fall River, located just steps from the cabin. The river is open only to fly-fishing, is an outstanding contributor of brown trout to the Deschutes River and provides excellent winter habitat for numerous species. Brook, brown and rainbow trout inhabit the river, and native whitefish can be found below the falls. Access to Fall River Trail is available from the guard station, winding through lodgepole and ponderosa pine along the river. Facilities This rustic, 600-square-foot, single story cabin was constructed in the Cascadia style of the Pacific Northwest Region. It has two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room. The cabin is furnished with one full bed, a twin bed and a two-person futon in the living room. Cabin amenities include a heater, refrigerator, lights and stove, all powered by propane. The kitchen is furnished with cooking utensils, pots and pans. A picnic table is provided for outdoor dining. Guests must bring several of their own amenities, including food, preferred cooking utensils, sleeping bags or preferred bedding, towels, dish soap, matches, a first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. There is no water available at the site. Guests must bring water for drinking, cooking and washing. A vault toilet is located on the premises. RV camping is allowed on-site. Natural Features A forest of lodgepole pine provides the backdrop for this area, with the beautiful, spring-fed Fall River flowing adjacent to the cabin. Clear and cold, it originates two miles northwest of Pringle Falls and winds its way northeast to join the mighty Deschutes River. Towering nearby peaks, designated wilderness and remnants of volcanic activity in the area showcase ecosystems typical of central Oregon. Wildlife in the area abounds, including deer, native fish and migratory birds. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests to live. Nearby Attractions Lava Lands Visitor Center in Bend, Oregon, and the unique geological landscape of Newberry National Volcanic Monument draw visitors to the region. Visitors may also enjoy traveling the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The 66-mile drive through the Cascade Mountain Range weaves through snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes, highlighting the beauty of central Oregon. Call the Bend Fort Rock district office to confirm road access and operating seasons. ADA Access: N
Entry to the cabin is by combination lock box. Please call the Forest Service office at 541-383-5300 if you are having difficulty with the combination provided. You can also stop by the office, located at 63095 Deschutes Market Rd. Bend, OR 97701.
From Bend, Oregon, take Highway 97 south. Exit at Sunriver and drive west. Go through the roundabout to Century Drive and turn left. Follow Century Drive south for 3 miles to the junction with South Century Drive (State Route 42). Turn right and head 11 miles west. Fall River Guard Station is on the left side of the road.
Well appointed FS Cabin. In-close access, riverside. Proximity welcomes the presence of day trippers, turn-around users and mice poop. Be careful with the propane lights and beer...crack a window BEFORE cracking a cold one. Overall great place to spend time with your favorite people, or your own self. Hit Sun River for commerce and humanity, or head off into the hills to seek remote and wild spaces. Clean up, Leave No Trace - protect this historic guard station and preserve it for future you’s.
Warm & cozy cabin right on the water. Fridge doesn't work & based on guest book hasn't in years. Also this cabin is right near a popular fishing spot so the parking lot & toilet gets a lot of use. The toilet is always stinky.
A cozy little cabin on a beautiful spot on the river. An update to an earlier review: the fridge works very well now. The cabin's propane lights have been removed and replaced with battery-powered LED lights which were mostly dead during our stay, so be sure to bring a flashlight, or if you feel generous, lots of AA batteries to replace the dead ones. Candles are not allowed due to fire risk. My only other tip would be to bring all the water you'll need. The Forest Service website says no "potable water" and there is a kitchen sink, but the cabin has no running water at all.
Our family, which includes a toddler, enjoyed two peaceful nights and would absolutely return. We enjoyed hiking, wading in the river—the water was much too cold for swimming—and watching wildlife. We saw osprey and herons catching trout, not to mention lots of anglers trying their hand at it. The trails and the nearby road are a little busier than we were expecting, but it didn't really detract from our experience that much. A very pleasant place to spend a few nights.
Visited Fall River Guard Station to try my hand at fly fishing the head waters of the Fall River. The entire area is a beautiful spot. Crystal clear, shallow waters, but very cold. The guard station is an over night rental so dont excpect to tour it. Pit toilet available for use at the parking lot. Will definitely return and likely with the family. There is a trail that runs all along the Fall River starting at the guard station.
