Cold Springs Guard Station

Located on the far end of Big Summit Prairie in the heart of the Ochoco Mountains, the Cold Springs Guard Station makes for a perfect rustic getaway for families or small groups.  Constructed in 1934, and used specifically by the Forest Service through the 1990s, the house was the main switchboard station to connect phone calls to and from the numerous fire lookouts and other guard stations in the region, as well as the home for the fire guard and family.  At the time, calls were identified by a series of three long or short rings. The original switchboard desk, with its iconic bells, is still in the house’s main living space.

The house doesn’t have electrical outlets, but there is some lighting from the attached solar panels, as well as a huge propane tank that is used for additional lighting and the kitchen stove.  The kitchen is fully stocked with basic utensils and cleaning supplies.