Calamity Butte Lo
This is an active staffed fire lookout, not available for overnight stays or camping. Visitors may drive to the site for day-use viewing when roads are passable, typically late spring through fall depending on snow conditions.
Red Flag Warning issued July 21 at 2:59PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Pendleton OR
...The upper level low over the region will shift to the east just enough to allow for monsoonal moisture to move into the region. Instability will accompany the moisture and allow for increased chances of thunderstorms across central Oregon and the eastern mountains. Isolated dry thunderstorms could spark new wildfires and gusty outflow winds can affect fires already on the landscape... * AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 698 Southern Blue Mountains, 700 Central Mountains of Oregon and 705 Southern Deschutes National Forest. * TIMING...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Any fire that develops will catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended. * THUNDERSTORMS...Isolated to scattered dry thunderstorms after 11 AM Wednesday. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Gusts from 25-35 mph
Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 2:08PM MDT by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...High concentration of smoke particulates from wildfires. * WHERE...Baker, Harney, and Malheur Counties. * WHEN...UNTIL NOON PDT WEDNESDAY. * IMPACTS...Smoke can irritate the eyes, lungs and worsen some medical conditions. People most at risk to adverse health effects include infants, young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults, and pregnant women. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on weather. Check current conditions on the Oregon Smoke Information Blog, DEQ's Air Quality Index, or by downloading the free OregonAIR app on your smartphone.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
About
Calamity Butte Lookout sits at 6,695 feet elevation in Oregon's Malheur National Forest. Unlike many historic lookouts that have been converted to rentals, Calamity Butte remains an active fire detection facility staffed during fire season. The current 50-foot pole tower with its distinctive octagonal cab was completed in 2001, though the original 1927 D5 cabin was preserved and remains on site alongside an old garage/shed. Access is via Forest Road 28 east to Road 2860, which climbs for approximately 2.5 miles before a sharp right turn onto Road 155 for the final half mile. The road is rough and rocky but passable by standard high-clearance vehicles. The Malheur National Forest does offer one lookout for public rental (Fall Mountain Lookout), but Calamity Butte is not among the rentable facilities.
Directions
From John Day, take Forest Road 28 east. Turn onto Road 2860 and climb for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn sharply right onto Road 155 for the final half mile to the lookout. Road is rough and rocky; high-clearance vehicle recommended.
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 575-3000 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Community Posts
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