By:
Submission
Sunshine Guard Station is situated along John Day River in the Malheur National Forest at an elevation of 3,700 feet, about 43 miles northeast of John Day, Oregon. The former guard station was built in 1936 and until the 1990s was used alternatively as a bunkhouse or a work station for fireguards.
The guard station can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreational options include fishing for steelhead and rainbow trout in the John Day River. Restrictions apply; visitors should refer to Oregon State regulations.
There are hiking trails and back roads to the north of the guard station that lead into the nearby Vinegar Hill / Indian Rock Scenic Area.
Wildlife viewing is popular, as is scenic driving.
This rustic four-room cabin sleeps up to six and has a kitchen, living room, and two bedrooms. The living room is furnished with a futon, two chairs, a coffee table and an end table. The larger bedroom is furnished with a queen-sized bed and a closet, while the smaller bedroom offers a queen-sized bed and a chair.
The kitchen is furnished with a table and four chairs, electric refrigerator, and stove. Electric heat and lights are provided, and a vault toilet is located next to the cabin.
There is no water in the cabin. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Roads to the guard station are paved and maintained for summer and winter access.
The guard station has a view of the Middle Fork of the John Day River. The Vinegar Hill Forest/Indian Rock Scenic Area is nearby. The 25,000-acre area includes a 10 mile ridgeline that comprises the summit of the Greenhorn Range in the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon. Outcrops of serpentine, rhyolite, basalt, granite, and shale can be seen. Agates can also be found on some of the rocky slopes.
Wildlife includes elk and deer, songbirds and, in the river, steelhead and trout. Nearly every type of alpine wildflower found west of the Rockies can be blooming at different times in this area.
Magone Lake is about 20 miles west of the guard station.
From Prairie City, OR., travel east on US Highway 26 approximately 13 miles to the junction of US Highway 7. Turn left on US Highway 7, travel one mile to the junction with County Road 20/ Middle Fork Road. Turn left and follow County Road 20 approximately 13 miles, the guard station will be on the right.
As of 1/28/20 the cabin is in good condition. No windows are broken! There are typically quite a few bugs on the floor and it requires some cleaning usually. Please note this is an historic cabin, and as such it is a little rustic. There is also no cell service. The area around it is right on the Malheur National Forest and absolutely gorgeous!
There were plenty of dishes etc. Bring bug spray for the evenings if you plan to hang out by the fire pit. I was glad we brought something to cover the windows to keep things cool. We mopped with bleach when we arrived and then left the mop outside to dry-- I strongly suggest this! When we arrived the mop smelled awful as it had likely been sitting in the bucket since its last use. The state park down the road had nice trails and picnic areas. A gravel road extends beyond the guard station for close be walks.
Great location. Loved sitting in the river, but you do have to do a little fence hopping with the cows to get over there. Previous occupant had not done a very good job cleaning after their stay, so we spent quite a bit of time cleaning. Sink also didn't work while we were there. Very spacious. Just don't be surprised if it smells a little funky and requires some cleaning. The dirt road by the cabin makes for a nice hike, and you can scramble up the hill if you want to watch the sunset.
