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.
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.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Stancliff Bridge FSR31 Closure for Repair
This Closure is necessary to facilitate emergency repairs to roads and bridges within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Road maintenance on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District will commence on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Stancliff bridge must be closed to protect the public during the repair…
Magone Trail Closure Continuation 2026
Due to precommercial thinning operations that are planned around Magone Bike trail paths, for the safety of the public these trails need to be closed to the public while falling activities take place. Trails and Trailheads affected:Porcupine Springs #5089Phlo #5091Pumphouse #5091
14 Day Stay Limit
Prohibition of Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period. 36 CFR § 261.58(a)
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 |
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