Tamarack Cabin, Heppner, OR

Tamarack Cabin is located in the Heppner Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest (2 hrs 34 min south of Kennewick, WA) with an elevation of 4,942 feet. The site is normally open from mid May to the end of October. There is a fee of $40.00 per night.

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Campsite Reviews (22)

4.9 out of 5

5 star		95%
4 star		0%
3 star		5%
2 star		0%
1 star		0%

@MariahH4474805 · Camped on Aug 21, 2023 at Campsite #1

Such a great spot! The price is absolutely worth it, and I'm happy the fees keep the cabin so nice! It was well stocked with cooking supplies. We made it there just fine in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll want a vehicle with some clearance! The scenery is gorgeous and the weather was awesome! We had a rainy day in the cabin (no leaks, woohoo!), even got to use the heater! So relaxing away from busy life :) and I LOVED that there were some cows roaming around! Also if you go on a little hike, you'll find a muddy spring with frogs and tadpoles nearby!! We'll absolutely stay again! Bathroom was clean and stocked! Also, we didn't go up, but the lookout tower was staffed!

@MacyC015AC3CA4 · Camped on Aug 18, 2023 at Campsite #1

We stayed two nights and had a great time, even with the presence of haze/smoke from area wildfire(s). The cabin was clean, the toilet, honestly, smelled great, and the views were excellent! The fire lookout (Sarah?) was quite amicable but kept to herself and let us do our own thing. It seems as though the staff member lives on-site whenever the tower is manned, so just be aware that you likely won't be totally alone (at least during fire season). No one visited the tower during our stay, so that was great!As others have mentioned, be sure to take a vehicle with decent clearance and tires since the last mile or so IS somewhat rocky. My partner and I borrowed a Jeep Compass and experienced no issues, and the lookout had a Ford Ranger. There are two gas-powered lights in the cabin, but they don't put off much light (and we couldn't find extra mantles). I'd recommend bringing a lantern, if you have one, for nighttime games, meals, etc. There is one present, but we didn't see any batteries for it.We saw a small snake, which was awesome, and the cows in the area roam freely around the cabin. There are definitely quite a few hornet-type insects around, but neither of us ever got stung. They're more annoying than anything. Just be mindful!We had a fabulous time, overall, and hope to return in the future! :)

@patricab943109 · Camped on Jul 26, 2023 at Campsite #1

The lookout tower was operational during my visit. The staff member working the tower was wonderful to speak with during my stay. I hope they do not replace the staffing of the tower with 'cameras.' Staffing a tower can act as an interpret link to the visiting guest.

@VictoriaH58791 · Camped on Jul 19, 2023 at Campsite #1

Such an amazing cabin with an incredible view! We were able to drive up in my Honda HRV without any issues and enjoyed the solitude. We climbed the tower and talked with Sarah, who is an amazing human being. My only complaint is I didnt book it for longer than one night!

@RodAA9A376AC09 · Camped on Jun 11, 2023 at Campsite #1

Cabin was spotless! Great job preparing for us! And there were new utensils and tableware. Jody came the next day and cleaned the pit toilet cleaner than we've ever seen it. And air fresheners too! The new tower firewatch is great! Great personality! Tip: Plan ahead for lack of local water availability. Our best of 5 visits to Tamarack to date.

@SuzetteGBC172B · Camped on Jun 4, 2023 at Campsite #1

This is the place for rest and relaxation. We stayed for two nights and didn’t travel away from our little piece of heaven other than to take walks and ride our bikes on the roads near the cabin. The wild flowers were in bloom, and we spent a lot of time reading. Remember, it is a cabin in the woods, so there are insects and mice. We didn’t have any problems but keep your food packed up at night.

@GAILK1318806 · Camped on Jun 12, 2022 at Campsite #1

One of our favorite places

@SydneyB9999280 · Camped on May 21, 2022 at Campsite #1

Beautiful area and views! The cabin was clean and in such good shape! Mornings and evenings were incredibly peaceful. There were visitors to the lookout tower next to the cabin fairly often even on a weekday, so don’t expect solitude for long. There was a lot of noise from visitors and people would climb the tower and even throw things off of it. People would also hang out right outside. I’m not from the area so didn’t expect it to be such a popular spot to visit. The roads were easy to navigate and signage was clear! Google map coordinates take you right there. Last thing! My dog got into several rib bones, so please clean up after yourself even if it’s food scraps.

@Cassaundr87201 · Camped on May 16, 2022 at Campsite #1

Great experience! Lots of items for use in the cabin (including a coffee percolator!) definitely made the trip amazing. Great memories made! Will return if able. 11/10

@Georgeg202 · Camped on Nov 18, 2021 at Campsite #1

So glad someone canceled, cute little cabin on the hill with surrounding views and a few good games

@Georgeg7674651 · Camped on Nov 18, 2021 at Campsite #1

So glad someone canceled, cute little cabin on the hill with surrounding views and a few good games

@SharonT752 · Camped on Nov 11, 2021 at Campsite #1

I loved the price of this cabin. The smallness of it was not an issue for us. Interesting area. What is up with all the grave markers? We were not expecting those!

@SharonT4876591 · Camped on Nov 11, 2021 at Campsite #1

I loved the price of this cabin. The smallness of it was not an issue for us. Interesting area. What is up with all the grave markers? We were not expecting those!

@BradL800 · Camped on Oct 3, 2021 at Campsite #1

The cabin has a great view, it's a good space to stay in, and the heater works very well. As far as backcountry roads go they are in very good condition.

@BradL9549076 · Camped on Oct 3, 2021 at Campsite #1

The cabin has a great view, it's a good space to stay in, and the heater works very well. As far as backcountry roads go they are in very good condition.

@ZiZ1670683 · Camped on Aug 24, 2021 at Campsite #1

Google Maps has this lookout marked and forest roads work well with the navigation! Rocky and largely undeveloped final mile. You are rewarded with a secluded spot and a personal protector! The ranger on duty came in the evening so we mostly had the spot to ourselves. We climbed up the fire tower, but alas, the actual lookout was locked. Very clean restroom, bring a headlamp and maybe an extra lantern. Be sure to wipe things down before you go!

@ZiZ934 · Camped on Aug 24, 2021 at Campsite #1

@MichelleO387 · Camped on Jun 30, 2021 at Campsite #1

We had so much fun, the cabin was clean and neat. Lots of little things were there in case someone forgot to pack something. The sunsets were absolutely amazing! We will definitely be back!

@MichelleO16754 · Camped on Jun 30, 2021 at Campsite #1

We had so much fun, the cabin was clean and neat. Lots of little things were there in case someone forgot to pack something. The sunsets were absolutely amazing! We will definitely be back!

@GAILK160 · Camped on Jun 13, 2021 at Campsite #1

Our favorite place

@kennethw788 · Camped on Oct 12, 2019 at Campsite #1

Great place!!!!

@KennethW379361 · Camped on Oct 12, 2019 at Campsite #1

Great place!!!!

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