Post Creek Guard Station, Hayfork, CA

Post Creek Guard Station is located in the Yolla Bolla Ranger District of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest (1 hr 48 min southwest of Redding, CA) with an elevation of 4,640 feet. The site is normally open from mid May to mid November. There is a fee of $75.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (22)

4.6 out of 5

5 star		73%
4 star		9%
3 star		5%
2 star		0%
1 star		5%

@CaitlinM553341 · Camped on Sep 8, 2024 at Campsite #1

Third fire lookout I've stayed at. Great view, stars are awesome at night and the running water and bathroom inside was definitely a plus! The swimming hole was refreshing and there was lots to explore.

@CAROLINEK38041 · Camped on Jul 25, 2024 at Campsite #1

First time visitors to this spot. What a peaceful place! The cabin is comfortable, well stocked and nicely maintained. Having running water (non-potable) and a flush toilet is luxury in my book. The kitchen has everything, even a propane stove and gas (we brought and used our own). There was no lock on the gate (just on the cabin). When my partner reached into the pipe at the gate for the lock (we didn't know it wasn't there) he got stung by a wasp nesting in there (be aware). There is an outdoor shower stall behind the garage. We hung a water bag there for a quick rinse. The swimming hole was too cold for us, and the size/water level doesn't really allow for actual swimming.Regarding the road conditions: on the way in the mapping app took us on the left fork (if driving south on Tedoc road) at these coordinates: 4016'51.5"N 12252'51.4"W. Unless you have a 4WD rig with extra clearance, I suggest to not take that left fork. Stick to the right - it's a MUCH better road.It was so quiet at the Guard Station - over the four days we saw four cars, all parked at trailheads. No one on the roads. The area burnt a few years ago, so it is not as scenic as I assume it once was. We did one nice hike to Black Rock Lake, and visited the abandoned White Rock Guard Station another day. There are not a whole lot of 'attractions' but if you're looking for serenity - this is a great place to find it.Wildlife sightings included a Pileated Woodpecker, Black-Headed Grosbeaks, Townsend Solitaires, mule deer and a momma bear with two cubs (not at the guard station). Big thank you to the Forest Service for maintaining this sweet spot!

@ReadyD073DDAF2 · Camped on Nov 4, 2023 at Campsite #1

Very nice place to stay. Incredible views. We have a small AWD car and had no issues with access, in fact I think my granny's Buick would have made the trip just fine. We came in on the Wild Mad Road( FR 30 & 35) but went out on a secondary road (28N10, aka Whiterock Road). Some have mentioned getting lost but I found the provided directions very straightforward. Admittedly there is a lot of burned forest and that may be a turn off for some people. However there is also a lot of beauty to be seen through the newly opened canopy- wildflowers, shrubs, watercourses, rock features, etc. I feel like anyone interested in Fire Ecology would benefit from staying here. The cabin is set on a small knoll with steep sides and a bit of a drop off, so keep an eye on the kids. Nearby plunge pool would probably be perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day but as we were there in November that wasn't an issue. To get an idea of the layout check our YouTube video "Post Creek Guard Station _ Shasta Trinity National Forest" by Bigfoot_Saw. A few other videos are out there but show the area pre-burn and the cabin with the old furniture.

@WilliamC285661 · Camped on Oct 30, 2023 at Campsite #1

A remote lookout with spectacular views from the sleeping area; 2 queen foam mattress beds. Flush toilet and running water to wash dishes. Some electric camping lamps but you should plan to bring AA batteries. There was a mouse nest in the silverware drawer. Screens were somewhat effective but lots of flies inside. I had an electric flyswatter and got rid of them in 15 minutes!The trip up was a bit harrowing in a VW ID.4 EV but I was able to drive up and back with a 100% charge at Anderson, CA. The road had several trees fallen into the road and at one point I had to get out and move them out of the way. Another required careful manuvering to avoid hiiting the tree on one side and slipping off the road on the other. Watch out for big rocks in the road. Note that when you turn onto the final stretch of gravel road (look for sign stating 28N36 4POST .CR), it is almost exactly 4.1 miles to the gate. You cross a bridge that is NOT Post Creek and there is a LOCKED green gate on the right that is NOT the entrance. You go up several steep inclines and it is on the LEFT. The ROAD CLOSED sign on the gate is completely faded but it is attached to the gate.It was well worth the trip up but as noted before, it is a burn area with downed trees and very little green vegetation at this time. Perhaps in 5 - 10 years it will return to its previous glory.

@EmilyG8895800 · Camped on Sep 4, 2023 at Campsite #1

Post Creek Guard Station is an absolute gem. I spent 3 nights there in early September 2023, just me and my dog, and it was perfect. The weather was beautiful, beds were new, and the cabin was much better stocked and maintained than expected. Toilet paper, running water (non-potable but running), flush toilet, big windows all around which made for excellent light. I did notice some droppings in the shower stall but other than that it was clean. No mice or rodents seen or heard inside the house the whole time though my dog may have kept them away, too. Two cautions for travelers: 1) Do not take Tedoc Road in. I made it in my Honda CRV but was nervous to leave the entire time until I found the easy road out. 2) There is no cell reception for roughly 200 miles along HWY 36. So in case of an emergency, you have to get yourself off the mountain and then drive an hour to an hour and a half for cell reception to call for help. For this reason as a solo female traveler, I played it very safe while up at the guard station. I didn't let my dog off leash, (continue) to drive on difficult roads, or even hike that much knowing how hard it would be to access help if some accident occurred. If I were to visit again solo, I might bring a sat phone for emergencies. And I would definitely take the easy road in.

@EdwardT1368517 · Camped on Aug 5, 2023 at Campsite #1

One of our most enjoyable family cabin camping ever! Secluded, quiet and so peaceful. We enjoyed every minute of our family time. The stars were amazing in the dark of the night sky. The cabin is well kept and most importantly, no need to walk outside to use the toilet!

@HeatherG779153 · Camped on Jul 3, 2023 at Campsite #1

Really great getaway. Was very surprised about how nice and homey the cabin was, not sure what I was expecting but it exceeded whatever I was! The forest Service Roads leading up to the cabin were in pretty great condition, we ended up driving our Volkswagen Jetta and all was well. Obviously this can change at any time so I'd say bring a chainsaw as there is absolutely no help you will get nor any service to do so with. As the website says do not follow Google maps, it is most definitely incorrect and will add on literal hours. Cross reference the maps and figure it out the old fashioned way, we used other GPS applications (Gaia & Avenza) to make it there and all was fine. Visited July 2023 and the forest is still very scorched from previous fire, but there are signs of life to be had! Near the stream that runs alongside the cabin loads of wildflowers were blooming- you could also use this as a water source if you filter, but turns out the cabin has running non-potable water! There is also a flushing toilet:-) so very plush As the temperatures were crazy hot when we were there The Watering Hole just down the road is a savior. Water was rushing during this time of the year so highly recommend

@TanyaG8739246 · Camped on Jul 1, 2023 at Campsite #1

The guard station is well maintained and has a good view. There are 2 queen beds. About 80% of the forest there and in the surrounding mountains is burned from wildfire in the surrounding mountains. There is some non-burned areas at the nearby Stuart Gap trail. There are un-burned trees immediately surrounding the cabin which provide shade. There is a tiny creek a few hundred feet from the cabin and a larger one 1/4 mile down the road (the "swimming hole" which is maybe 2-3 feet deep,6 ft wide in a small creek). The cabin itself is not shaded so gets very hot in the afternoon (we were there in July 2023 when the temp was 105 F in Red Bluff). We were there on a weekend and did not see a single person or vehicle in the area. The "short" way in from 36 (Tedoc Rd and then 28N36) is a narrow dirt road but well graded. It can be done by any vehicle with good tires and enough clearance for speed bump sized bumps.

@SpencerH509237 · Camped on Sep 23, 2022 at Campsite #1

We had a great time but there was clearly a mouse infestation with mouse droppings all over the place and the sounds of mice chewing through the walls and beds all night.

@MacAdamL985687 · Camped on Aug 11, 2022 at Campsite #1

Very nice cabin but it's in a complete burn zone. Forest all around the place is just charred. Road is pretty treacherous with the many burnt trees that are strewn about due to unpredictable winds- the road might be clear, or you might be trying to drag off burnt logs. As someone who has intimately lived with Northern California wildfires, I can tell you with some authority to give it a few years; that this place will again be pleasant by 2028-2029 or so. Until then, you should strongly consider going somewhere else.

@ChrisP7014555 · Camped on Jun 19, 2022 at Campsite #1

This was our second trip to Post Creek, the first trip was before the fire that devastated the area. We still loved it the second time. It truly is a special place. Contrary to the information on the forestry sites, there is non-potable running water and a flush toilet. There is also a propane stove (bring the green 1-lb propane canisters). The cupboard has a full set of dishes, cups, pots/pans and utensils. The cabin is kept very neat. We did not see any other people for the three day we were there, including driving around the fire roads and hiking to an overlook over the North Yolla Bolly alpine lake. There are many, many trees down after the Monument Fire, some of the trails are unmarked and now somewhat overgrown. We didn't see tons of wildlife aside from squirrels and chipmunks. We saw one deer and a couple piles of fresh bear scat. Oh and of course the cows that you will meet in the middle of the dirt road to the cabin. As an amateur radio operator, I had contact to the outside world. Just beware you will not be able to contact anyone by cell phone if you have an issue without driving back out to the highway and probably halfway back to Red Bluff (like a 45 minute drive). It really is in the boonies. Anyway, this place is so very super cool.

@HeatherD420628 · Camped on May 22, 2022 at Campsite #1

This is an exceptional property. Clean, comfortable cabin with running water (non-potable) and 180-degree views from the bedroom. Perched on the edge of a canyon, you are wrapped in stars at night and awakened with sunrise colors. The surrounding forest was severely impacted by recent wildfires, and burn scars are extensive the whole drive in. You’ll need a sturdy vehicle to get there, but you will be rewarded with solitude and big skies.

@CareyL5599217 · Camped on Jul 9, 2020 at Campsite #1

The descriptions and photos don't do this place justice! We had such a great time. I brought my family and dog. Very beautiful and remote. As the description says, there is no electricity, water, heater, or cell service. One person said ATT worked, but it did not work for me. Expect to lose cell service just outside of Red Bluff. The directions are pretty good but this place is tricky to find. We made about 4 u-turns before we finally found it. Just when you think you're lost, you find it. The cabin is very quaint and cozy. There's a kitchen (no running water) and a sitting room. There's one large bedroom with two beds, one Queen and one Full. The view from the bedroom is spectacular! Windows on 3 walls! There's a fire pit and sitting area in the back. Very beautiful and family-friendly hikes nearby. We recommend the Black Rock Lake https://goo.gl/maps/DGWHP1Htvpa1x4oa9 It's not too rigorous. I took my 10- and 12-year-old kids. You're rewarded with an idyllic little alpine pond, surrounded by majestic, snow-battered pines. There are some great little beaches to hang out and dip your toes! Overall a wonderful place. Remote. Gorgeous nature. Very few people, but the people we did meet were very nice. Be prepared for no phone or potable water. Get your directions PRINTED out and HAVE FUN!

@CareyL754 · Camped on Jul 9, 2020 at Campsite #1

@nicholasb825 · Camped on Jun 3, 2020 at Campsite #1

great spot

@NicholasB48469 · Camped on Jun 3, 2020 at Campsite #1

great spot

@JeremyI9665786 · Camped on Nov 11, 2019 at Campsite #1

Amazing location. Peaceful and private. Wonderful views. Pet friendly. Be prepared for a long drive up and down the mountain but well worth it.

@JeremyI373 · Camped on Nov 11, 2019 at Campsite #1

Amazing location. Peaceful and private. Wonderful views. Pet friendly. Be prepared for a long drive up and down the mountain but well worth it.

@mathewg123 · Camped on Jul 4, 2019 at Campsite #1

The cabin was exactly as described. Far away from everything and with a great view of the slopes. There is the creek half mile down the road but the water was too cold in July. There are also short hiking trails that lead to lakes near by. The cabin has lamps, spare batteries, some kitchens equipment and a camping stove. It was well maintained. We found the stay very peaceful and looking forward to staying again!

@mathewg1271604 · Camped on Jul 4, 2019 at Campsite #1

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