Openings · last 7 days
0
Availability is not tracked here yet
Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for Tamarack Cabin. That is a gap in what Campsite Sniper tracks — it does not mean the facility is full, closed, or unavailable. Recreation.gov may well be showing open dates right now.
The site details and map below come from the public Recreation.gov record and are accurate. For current dates and to book, go to Recreation.gov.
01 · Detected Opening History · the openings record · file CS-234138
When Tamarack Cabin reopens
Tamarack Cabin's openings record: every site-date Campsite Sniper detected turning available, logged and time-stamped. Refreshed hourly.
Openings · last 30 days
0
Openings · last 90 days
12
Only 12 openings in the last 90 days: not enough recent activity for a reliable pattern. A free Campsite Sniper alert watches around the clock instead, and pings you the moment one opens.
About Tamarack Cabin
Overview
Tamarack Cabin offers outdoor enthusiasts a quaint cabin with epic views atop Tamarack Mountain. The cabin can accommodate four guests, and a short walk through the trees awards a unique opportunity to view miles of the Umatilla National Forest from sunup to sundown.
The site was originally used as a fire detection lookout. The original structure was a platform built on a high tree in 1925. It was replaced with a 96-foot Aermotor tower in 1933, and a neighboring cabin was built to house Forest Service employees. A utility shed was also built. When the cabin burnt down in 1966, the shed was converted into housing. That same shed is where guests can stay today. The tower is also still standing, and when the tower is staffed, visitors are welcome to climb up and enjoy the view.
Recreation
Over 26 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails on the Heppner Ranger District can be accessed from the cabin. Plentiful fishing opportunities abound in nearby streams and Bull Prairie Lake. Many roads are open to off-road vehicles, and 28 miles of designated trails are available. Other activities include hunting, wildlife viewing and bird watching. This site is not open in the winter.
Facilities
This cozy converted shed offers one room with amenities including propane lights, a heating stove and cook stove, refrigerator, cookware, silverware, and dishes. Furnishings consist of two sets of twin bunkbeds, a cabinet for clothes, table with four chairs, and a rocking chair on the small front porch. There is a picnic table and fire ring outside, though fire danger may restrict campfires, so check for conditions with the Ranger District prior to arrival. There is also a nearby outhouse. There is no water onsite, so visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking, and washing. Guests must bring food, water, ice chest and ice, bedding, toiletries, a first aid kit, flashlights, matches and all other basic camping gear.
Natural Features
At 4,979 feet above sea level, Tamarack Mountain overlooks the John Day River basin between Spray and Kimberly. The lookout and the mountain it tops are named after the western larch, a tree that is particularly plentiful in the Blue and Wallowa Mountains. Western tanagers and dusty flycatchers frequent the area and purple-blue spikes of lupine, white and pink yarrow and yellow balsamroot add bursts of color to the landscape.
Nearby Attractions
Spray is the nearest town with a general store, gas, and propane which is about a half hour drive away.
Heppner is about one hour away with a larger variety of stores for your recreational needs.
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts enjoy Morrow County OHV Park, located 14 miles north on HWY 207. There are some food options, ice, and propane for sale at this site.
1 monitored cabinNo hookups1 shadedPets OKFire pitsMax party 4
Getting there
From Lexington, OR, take Highway 74/207 east to Heppner. Continue south, on Highway 207. At the junction in Heppner, bear right to continue south on Highway 207 for 39 miles through Heppner, Ruggs, Hardman and past Anson Wright County Park to the junction of Highway 207 and Forest Road 24 (0.1 miles past the Bull Prairie Campground turn-off). Turn left (east) on FR 24 (a gravel road) and travel 6.5 miles to FR 2407. Turn right (south) on FR 2407 and travel 1.5 miles to FR 040. Travel a half-mile on FR 40 to the cabin, which is on the right before the helipad. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for access as the last mile to the cabin is very steep and rocky.
P.O Box 7, Heppner, OR 97836541-676-9187
FishingHikingHorseback RidingHuntingOff Road Vehicle TrailsWildlife Viewing
View on Recreation.gov ↗ Get directions ↗
02 · Field Photos · roll CS-234138 · facility + sites
Photo gallery
Roll CS-234138 · Tamarack Cabin · Heppner OR8 frames · facility + sites
FAQ
How do I get a reservation at Tamarack Cabin?
Online reservations for this facility, where offered, are made through Recreation.gov. Campsite Sniper has also detected 12 site openings here in the last 90 days, so further dates may appear. Pick a site on the map to see its calendar, or set a free Campsite Sniper alert. You complete the reservation yourself on Recreation.gov.
Does Campsite Sniper book this campground for me?
No. Campsite Sniper sends alerts and direct Recreation.gov links. It never books, pays for, holds, hoards, or resells reservations.
How current is this availability data?
Campsite Sniper does not currently hold availability data for Tamarack Cabin, so there is nothing to date here. That is a gap in coverage — it does not mean the facility is full or closed. Check Recreation.gov for current dates.
How often do new openings appear at Tamarack Cabin?
Campsite Sniper detected 12 site-date openings here over the last 90 days, none in the last 7. A free alert watches around the clock and pings you the moment one appears.
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