Camping at Ditch Creek Guard Station Campground

Location and Access

Ditch Creek Guard Station Campground is located within the Umatilla National Forest in the state of Oregon. The Umatilla National Forest spans across northeast Oregon and southeast Washington. To reach the campground, visitors commonly must navigate forest roads that might require vehicles with good clearance, and possibly four-wheel drive, especially during wet conditions or after heavy snowfall.

Amenities

As a guard station campground, Ditch Creek Guard Station may offer basic amenities. These typically include:

• A cabin or guard station structure for rent
• A fire pit and/or grill
• A picnic table
• Pit toilets

Amenities such as potable water, electricity, and trash service may not be available. Visitors are often expected to pack in their own water and pack out their trash.

Activities

Umatilla National Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities, and the Ditch Creek area is no exception. Typical activities include:

• Hiking: The forest offers numerous trails through diverse landscapes.
• Fishing: Streams and lakes in the area are known for trout fishing.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forest is home to an array of wildlife, and visitors might spot deer, elk, or various bird species.
• Hunting: Seasonally permitted for those with valid licenses and following regulations.
• Winter Sports: In the winter, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing may be popular in the area.

User Guidelines

Visitors need to adhere to specific forest regulations and guidelines to ensure the preservation of natural resources and the enjoyment of future campers:

• Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and leave the site as you found it.
• Campfires: Follow current campfire guidelines, which can change seasonally due to fire danger levels.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and do not feed them.
• Permits: Certain activities may require permits, such as fishing and hunting.
• Pets: If allowed, pets typically must be on a leash.

Reservations and Fees

The guard station or cabins at Ditch Creek may require reservations, which can usually be made through official channels like the U.S. Forest Service website or third-party reservation systems. There is often a nightly fee for renting the facility which can vary based on the amenities and the time of year.

Seasonal Access

The Umatilla National Forest and Ditch Creek Guard Station Campground might have seasonal access limitations mainly due to snow. The campground could be inaccessible or closed during the winter months, and the best times to visit are typically late spring through early fall.

Contact Information

Before heading out, it's a good idea to contact the Umatilla National Forest service office for the most current information regarding road conditions, campground status, fire restrictions, and other relevant info. They can provide details on the Ditch Creek Guard Station's availability, current conditions, and reservation procedures.

Note: Always confirm the specific details with the forest service as amenities, fees, and regulations may change.