Lodgepole Guard Station

Overview

The guard station at Lodgepole Meadow was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps to replace the original station built in 1911. Lodgepole Meadow was used as a remote guard station for the early Forest Service crews working in the area. During WWII, Herb and Zella Wright, a husband and wife lookout team, lived throughout the winter high up on the Blue Rock Lookout several miles away watching for enemy aircraft. Lodgepole Guard Station served as their base camp.Today, Lodgepole Guard Station is a perfect destination for horse enthusiasts, families and those looking for a unique camping experience in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Recreation

The meadow offers plenty of room and even terrain for a large group of visitors to spread out, camp, horseback ride, hike, mountain bike or just relax. Additional horseback riding trails are a short trailer ride away, and include the Alta Lake, Middle Fork and Seven Lakes Trails, all of which lead into the Sky Lakes Wilderness.

Facilities

Considered to be an outstanding example of Civilian Conservation Corps construction in the Pacific Northwest, the one story cabin is designed to comfortably sleep 4 occupants. The bedroom is furnished with a full-size bed, a small closet and one dresser. The living room is furnished with a futon and coffee table. The kitchen is equipped with a table and chairs, a sink, a refrigerator, a stove, and basic cooking utensils. The bathroom has running water, a shower and flush toilet. The heater, stove and refrigerator are operated by propane and potable water may be available for drinking and cooking from the faucet. (call ranger station to check status of water at cabin) A picnic table in the backyard permits comfortable outside dining. Lighting is not available at the site, so bringing lanterns and flashlights is a must. Guests will also need to bring sleeping bags & towels.A former bunkhouse, tool shed, barn and stable with several horse paddocks, are also on site. There is additional space for tent camping in the yard.

Natural Features

Lodgepole Guard Station is surrounded by 40 acres of cross-fenced pastures dotted with pines, and surrounded by forested rolling hills. The large grassy meadow has a long history of being a major grazing area for horses and cattle, and that tradition continues today. Diverse landscapes of the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest provide habitat for a wide-range of wildlife in the area, including spotted owls and bull elk to salamanders and salmon. These species, along with many others, depend on the surrounding undeveloped wilderness, undisturbed wetlands, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (541) 560-3400.

Nearby Attractions

Diamond Lake Resort, Crater Lake National Park, Lost Creek Lake, Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, National Falls, Rogue Gorge, Natural Bridge and Mount McLoughlin are all wonderful sights to see.