Hemlock Butte Ski Cabin
Hemlock Butte Ski Cabin is a primitive backcountry A-frame winter cabin in the Umpqua National Forest near Mount Bailey. It’s reached over-snow via the Hemlock Butte Trail and is used as a reservation-only overnight winter hut for skiers and snowshoers traveling to this part of the Diamond Lake/Mount Bailey backcountry.
The cabin sleeps up to 8 people and is shared between reservation holders; there are often multiple groups staying in it during the same period. It has a wood stove for heat and for melting snow, an indoor vault toilet, and a single cooking pot; there is no drinking water or electricity, and there are no beds—bring sleeping bags and sleeping pads (and the rest of your cold-weather cooking and personal gear). Firewood may be provided, but it may not be available during parts of the season, and guests are expected to pack out all trash and leave the cabin clean before departing.
Use is over-snow only: access to the cabin is typically available from late December through March, though availability can vary year to year. Reservations are handled through Recreation.gov, with booking up to 6 months in advance and same-day reservations available; first-come, first-served use isn’t permitted. Pets aren’t allowed in the cabin or surrounding area.
Parking is at Three Lakes Sno-Park, and an Oregon Sno-Park permit is required from November 1 through April 30. The Hemlock Butte Trail starts from Three Lakes Sno-Park and is commonly used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing access to the cabin.