Butler Butte Cabin
Closed — Closed due to structural issues and maintenance until further notice. Repairs are needed before it can reopen.
Winter Storm Warning issued March 31 at 10:42AM PDT until April 2 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 12 to 24 inches, with 24 to 30 inches in Crater Lake National Park. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph over high and exposed terrain. * WHERE...The southern Oregon Cascades north of Howard Prairie Lake, and the eastern Douglas County Foothills above 3000 ft, including the passes along highways 140, 62, 138, 230, and 58. * WHEN...From 5 AM Wednesday to 5 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The heaviest snow is expected Wednesday afternoon when 1 in/hr rates are highly likely (>90% chance) and there is a 60-80% chance of 2 in/hr snowfall rates.
About
Butler Butte Cabin is a piece of living history, built in 1942 as an Aircraft Warning System (AWS) station during World War II. The site was strategically chosen to watch for Japanese planes and incendiary balloons targeting America's west coast forests. After the invasion threat subsided in late 1943, the cabin and adjacent 20-foot lookout tower were used for fire observation purposes. Today, this one-room cabin offers visitors a rustic retreat in the Tiller Ranger District of Umpqua National Forest. The cabin is furnished with a double bed and two single beds, accommodating up to 8 guests. Modern conveniences include propane-powered heating, a cook stove, oven, refrigerator, and lights. Outside, visitors will find a metal fire pit with barbeque grill, a campfire ring, a picnic table, and additional space for tent camping. A vault toilet is located nearby. Guests must bring all their own water, though potable water is available at the Tiller Ranger Station office. The cabin sits in a scenic area surrounded by old-growth pine, fir, and cedar forests. Summer and fall visitors enjoy hiking the Abbott Butte Trail, birding, and huckleberry picking. Winter brings opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, though the roads are not plowed and may require up to a 5-mile snow excursion to reach the cabin. A 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle is recommended year-round due to rough forest roads.
Directions
From Canyonville, take West 1st Street to SE 3rd St/OR-227. Follow OR-227 approximately 23 miles to Tiller. From Tiller, take Douglas County Road 46 (becomes South Umpqua Road/Forest Service Road 28) for 5 miles to Jackson Creek Road (Forest Service Road 29). Follow FS Road 29 for 9.7 miles to a five-way junction. Two routes available: Route 1 (shortest but rougher): Take FS Road 800 for 2.5 miles to FS Road 810, then follow to cabin. Route 2 (better road): Take FS Road 700 approximately 6 miles to Tucker Gap junction with FS Road 800, turn right onto FS Road 800 for 2 miles to FS Road 810, then follow to cabin. 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle recommended. Roads not plowed in winter; may require up to 5-mile snow excursion.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (877) 444-6777 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!