town guide:
Austin junction, Oregon
Considerations for using this guide:
-
Confirm that a business or post office will accept a resupply package prior to mailing it.
-
The town guide does not list every hiker-related business, especially in larger communities. Instead, it attempts to list a representative sample of businesses available. If a business is listing that you think should be included here, please let us know, along with other business changes, so we can keep these guides up to date.
-
Send updates to ghcc@hellscanyon.org.
town information
Austin Junction is an unincorporated community in the Malheur National Forest. The Austin House, which is a combination market, gas station, restaurant, ice cream parlor, and tavern is the only business. The Austin House will accept hiker resupply boxes; however, please call to coordinate and confirm.
Bates State Park and Campground is a mile away and can be reached by a connected forest service road.
Elevation: 4,236 feet
Population: Approximately 35 within a 5-mile radius
Getting there from the trail: The trail goes right through Austin Junction.
map of austin Jct with town amenities
town amenities
Post Office
There is no post office in the area.
Market/Restaurant/Tavern
The Austin House Cafe and Country Store
Breakfast, cinnamon roll french toast, burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips, salads, milkshakes, ice cream, homemade desserts.
The market provides a limited variety of food items and snacks. It would be challenging to fully resupply from the market. Therefore, we recommend thru-hikers mail a resupply box to the Austin House and purchase snack items from the market. The Austin House does not charge to receive a resupply box, donations are accepted for the service. Website: http://www.austinhousecafecountrystore.com/
Address and Phone Number: 75663 US-26, Bates, OR 97817 541-448-2526
Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday to Monday, and closed Wednesday and Thursday. Note: The hours may change. Call to confirm.
Lodging
There is no lodging in Austin Junction. There is dispersed camping available in the surrounding National Forest and at nearby Bates State Park. With a shuttle, there is lodging in Prairie City 15 miles away.
Dixie Creek Bungalows
A small home rental conveniently located behind the laundromat in Prairie City. One bedroom with a low ceiling loft and pull out bed that can sleep 6 with tight quarters. Best for 4 people. Special hiker offer, $90.00 per night for 2. $10.00 for each additional person. Shuttle from your exit point along the Middle Fork available when requested in advance for a small fee. Website: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12685775
Phone Number: 626-825-7993 (Call to book)
Camping
Bates State Park Campground
Located on Highway 7 approximately 3 miles north of Highway 26. You can also walk to Bates on a shorter and quiet dirt Forest Service road that runs along Bridge Creek. The campground has RV, tent sites, and a hiker/biker camping area. The campground is open from May 1 to October 31. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=109
Rates: $6/Tent-RV Site
Cell Service
There is no consistent cell phone coverage in the Austin Junction area.
Public Transit and Shuttles
Grant County People Mover
The People mover provides bus service between Baker City, John Day, Austin Junction, and Sumpter on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Connecting service from John Day to Bend is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Website: https://grantcountypeoplemover.com/
Phone Number: 541-575-2370
John Day Taxi
The John Day Taxi will provide rides anywhere throughout the region.schedules and fares.
Phone Number: 541-620-4255
Nearest Full-Service City
John Day is 28 miles west on Highway 26.
Austin Junction photograph by Renee Patrick.