Antlers Guard Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Antlers Guard Station
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| Location | Wallowa–Whitman National Forest |
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| Nearest city | Baker City, Oregon |
| Built | 1935 |
| Architectural style | Rustic forest cabin |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000166 |
| Added to NRHP | 1991 |
The Antlers Guard Station is a cozy, old cabin found in the beautiful Wallowa–Whitman National Forest in northeastern Oregon, United States. It was first built to house fire crews who watched over the surrounding National Forest. Since the 1990s, the United States Forest Service lets people rent the Antlers Guard Station. You can also rent other forest cabins and lookout stations for fun trips. The Antlers Guard Station is a special place, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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A Look Back: The History of Antlers Guard Station
In the 1920s and 1930s, Forest Service workers often traveled very far. They went from local ranger stations to their work sites in the forest. Back then, forest roads were not very good. Getting to a job meant a long trip, carrying all their tools. It was too hard for them to go back and forth every day.
To help with this, the Forest Service built guard stations. These were placed in smart spots across the forest. They gave fire patrols and work crews a place to stay.
After World War II, the Forest Service built many more roads. This made it much easier to reach most forest areas quickly. Because of this, guard stations were not needed as much. Some stations found new uses, but many were torn down or left empty.
In the 1990s, groups that wanted to save old buildings started working. They teamed up with Forest Service employees. They asked forest managers to protect the remaining old structures. To pay for this work, the Forest Service began renting out its guard stations to the public. Later, they also started renting many unused fire lookout towers.
The Civilian Conservation Corps built the Antlers Guard Station in 1935. It was first used as a home base for fire crews. These crews patrolled the forest nearby. The Wallowa–Whitman National Forest began renting cabins, including Antlers Guard Station, in the early 1990s. This cabin has a simple, old-fashioned style. It is also very important because it was one of the first Forest Service guard stations. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991.
What's Inside? Exploring Antlers Guard Station
The Antlers Guard Station sits about 4,107 feet (1,252 meters) high. It is on the west side of the North Fork of the Burnt River. This is about two miles from the old town site of Whitney, Oregon. The forest around the cabin has many tall ponderosa pine trees. It offers beautiful views of nature.
The Antlers Guard Station is built with a wood frame. It has a strong concrete foundation. The outside walls are covered with weatherboard and shingles. The cabin has two small rooms. The front room is both a living room and a bedroom. It has a futon-style double bed and two sets of bunk beds. The kitchen has a propane stove, a table, and chairs. The cabin uses a propane fireplace for heat. It also has propane lights.
An outhouse is located close to the cabin. You can get water from an outside hand pump. The guard station grounds also have a garage, a fire pit, and an outdoor picnic table. There is also space for tent camping at the site.
Fun Things to Do at Antlers Guard Station
You can rent the Antlers Guard Station for a night or more. The Wallowa–Whitman National Forest uses 95 percent of the rental fee. This money helps them keep the cabin nice and improve the area. The cabin is open all year round. You can book it for up to seven days at a time. Kitchen tools are provided for visitors. However, you need to bring your own sleeping bags or bedding. Don't forget toiletries, towels, and a first aid kit!
In the summer, visitors can hike on trails. They can also bike on forest roads. The cabin is also popular with people who like to fish and hunt. In winter, activities like Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on special routes are fun. You can even pan for gold in the Burnt River, which flows right next to the station.
Since the cabin is in a quiet forest area, the Forest Service gives a warning. Visitors should watch out for mountain lions, black bears, and rattlesnakes.
How to Visit Antlers Guard Station
Antlers Guard Station is about two miles from the old Whitney town site. It is 22 miles northwest of Unity, Oregon. It is also 40 miles west of Baker City, Oregon. You can make reservations for the cabin. You can also get detailed directions from the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest. In winter, the snow can get very deep. The Forest Service suggests carrying tire chains for your car during winter visits.
