In 1934, Civilian Conservation Corps crews erected a complex of three buildings on Long Ridge near Brookings, Ore. They included a residence, storage building, and a privy. The crews also developed a natural spring in a nearby thicket of wild azalea.
The site served as housing for back-country foresters and for a packer who distributed food and supplies to fire lookouts within the Chetco river watershed.
The cabin is a single-story, wood-frame building set on concrete blocks with a shingled, gable roof, shuttered windows, and an attached lean-to porch. Inside, it’s simply furnished with bunk beds, a wood-burning stove, a table, and chairs.
By 1980, the structures remained standing, but suffered from neglect, prompting a Cultural Resource Evaluation by the Chetco Ranger District. It presented several alternatives, including removal to another site, allow further deterioration, maintain for periodic occupancy, and restore to livable condition for Forest Service use.
The Forest Service decided to restore the packer’s cabin as representative of a broad theme in American history.
Today, the cabin is for rent for overnight, outdoor-adventure stays.
Sources: McFadden, Tish. A Cultural Resource Evaluation of the Long Ridge Packer's Cabin. 1980.
"Recreation - Packer's Cabin." USDA Forest Service, www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/rogue-siskiyou/recreation/recarea/?recid=69572. Accessed 7 Oct. 2018
