Warner Mountain Lookout

Summary

Warner Mountain Lookout is a remote winter wonderland destination in the Willamette National Forest, accessible by ski, snowmobile or snowshoe. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of pristine snow-covered landscapes and wildlife, with onsite facilities including a cabin with a 40-foot tower, a vault toilet, and a pot for snow melting. Guests must bring their own amenities as there is no water or electricity, and absolutely no pets are allowed.

Overview

Warner Mountain Lookout is the winter wonderland destination for avid winter sports enthusiasts looking for a challenge. This replica of an old cupola-style lookout sits on a high vantage point of Warner Ridge at an altitude of 5,300 feet in the Willamette National Forest approximately 75 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon.

This is a very remote location; the road to the lookout is not plowed or maintained for winter travel. The lookout can only be accessed by skis, snowmobiles or snowshoes, a distance of 2-10 miles. Conditions on the mountain change rapidly. You need to be evaluating conditions and weather throughout your stay. Sudden storms and high winds may make skiing and driving conditions difficult. Experience in cross-country skiing or snowshoe travel is highly recommended. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

The reward is worth the effort of getting there. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and starry skies on clear nights.

Recreation

Winter recreationists can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling on the terrain in the nearby Middle Fork Willamette River - Moon Point Trail Area.

Reaching the cabin on the 10-mile access road is part of the snow sport fun. Visitors might also catch a glimpse of any number of wildlife that lives in the area.

Facilities

The 14x14-ft. cabin sits atop a 40-foot tower and is surrounded by a catwalk. The cabin accommodates 4 people and is furnished with one double bed that comfortably sleeps two, a table and chairs, propane stoves for heating and cooking, cookware, dishes, and a broom and dust pan. Propane is provided. Cell service may be available from the tower depending on your service provider. There is a vault toilet nearby. No water or electricity is provided. Guests typically melt snow for their supply of water for drinking, cooking and washing. A large pot is provided for this purpose. Items such as bedding, extra mattresses, flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not reliably available after mid-season. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Absolutely no pets are allowed.

Natural Features

The lookout towers over forest cover of noble fir, mountain hemlock and silver fir at the crest of Warner Mountain. The lookout is close to Middle Fork Willamette River - Moon Point Trail Area, with a diverse habitat ranging from meadows to rocky cliffs and dotted with high-elevation conifers. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bears, bald eagles, black tail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.