Clackamas Ranger Cabin

Mt. Hood National Forest

Joe Graham Meadow, Mt. Hood National Forest,  Oregon
Joe Graham Meadow, Mt. Hood National Forest,  Oregon

Clackamas Ranger Cabin

Mt. Hood National Forest


Clackamas Ranger Cabin

Clackamas Ranger Cabin, also known as Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin, was built in 1933 to house Forest Service workers. The 1,300-square-foot, two-story Clackamas Ranger Cabin features a living room, kitchen, dining area, bathroom with flush toilets and shower, and 3 bedrooms. The cabin includes a sunroom.

Heat for the cabin is provided by a fireplace insert in the living room. Firewood is provided. Hot and cold running water are always available. Propane lighting may be used from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and then again from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Propane lanterns provide interior light at any time. A rustic generator, somewhat undependable, does not allow for the use of plug-in appliances such as hair dryers, computers, and TVs.

What Guests Need to Bring

Cabin guests should bring their own bedding or sleeping bags, towels, food, and personal items. Also, guests should include a first aid kit, insect repellent, dish soap, and other necessities. Bring garbage bags to use when cleaning the cabin before departure. Pack out the garbage and leave no food.

Across the road sits a two-room visitor center, at one time the District Ranger's office.

Read full details and check for any updates: Mt. Hood National Forest: Clackamas Lake HIstoric House and Recreation.gov - Clackamas Ranger Cabin (AKA Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin)

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Clackamas Ranger Cabin Basics
Clackamas Ranger Cabin Location: Off Highway 26, turn right on Skyline Road (Road 42), drive about 8 miles to the intersection of Forest Service roads 42 and 57. Take Road 42 for ¼ and look for the cabin on the left.
Elevation: 3,400 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Hood River - 56 miles
Portland - 76 miles
Bend - 100 miles
Open - Closed: Open late May through October (reservations end Sept. 1)
Max. People : 8
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 4, but no RVs
Pets: Not permitted
Operated by Mt. Hood National Forest
Information Zigzag Ranger District: (503) 622-3191
Clackamas River Ranger District: (971) 333-4100

Clackamas Ranger Cabin Reservations
Reservations Available Reservations are available from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Wheelchair accessible sites: None
Minimum and Maximum length of stay: Minimum 2 nights (3 nights on holiday weekends), maximum 7 nights
Reservation must include Fri-Sat on weekends
Cabin Rental Fees: $180 per night
$20 additional per night on weekends and holidays
Cabin Map: Clackamas Ranger Cabin Area Map
Cabin Reservations: Clackamas Ranger Cabin (AKA Clackamas Lake Historic Cabin) Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 2:00 PM, check-out: Noon

Clackamas Ranger Cabin Amenities
Cabin Interior: Sleeping: 3 large bedrooms - one with queen bed, one with full and twin bed, one with bunk beds and two twins
Kitchen: refrigerator, range, hot water, dishes, dish towel
Other: dining table, sun porch, bathroom with flush toilet and shower
NOT included: Visitors need to bring bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), pillows, towels, dish towels, matches, food containers, toilet paper, paper towels, flashlights, outdoor chairs, garbage bags.
Attractions near Clackamas Ranger Cabin:
  • Anglers do well fishing for cutthroat, brook, rainbow or German brown trout in Clackamas Lake.
  • Tour the early 20th century buildings at the Clackamas Lake Ranger Station Historic District around the cabin
  • The 2.2-mile Miller Trail begins in the Clackamas Lake Campground and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Other trails lead to scenic Little Crater Lake and into the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.





Clackamas Ranger Cabin, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Clackamas Ranger Cabin

Mt. Hood National Forest
Attractions and Activities

  • Hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride on the Timothy Lake Trail which circles the lake, offering 12 miles of fairly level terrain and many nice views.
  • Hike on the nearby Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Fish for trout in Timothy Lake from shore or boat.
  • Enjoy a picnic at scenic Pine Point Day Use Area on Timothy Lake's west shore.
  • Make the short trip to Little Crater Lake. A barrier-free 800-foot-long trail leads to a viewing platform.
  • Visit the nearby Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger District, a Forest Service facility built in the early 1900s.
  • Spend a day or more at beautiful Trillium Lake with boating, swimming, and fishing.

Cabin Access

Contact the Zigzag Ranger District ((503) 622-3191) prior to departing for the cabin, to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit. The cabin remains locked; access codes will be sent in your confirmation letter and should be brought with you to the site.


Key Clackamas Ranger Cabin Regulations

  1. No candles are permitted in the cabin
  2. Pets, horses, and domestic livestock are not permitted. Dogs may not be left in cars on the premises.
  3. Smoking is not allowed in the cabin.
  4. The cabin must be thoroughly cleaned before departure. Leave behind no food or other items you brought to the cabin.