Calamity Butte Lo
Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout is staffed during summer fire season, typically 4-5 months per year. This is an active fire lookout facility, not available for public rental or camping.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 12:21PM MST until January 1 at 10:00AM MST by NWS Boise ID
* WHAT...An extended period of stagnant air, with light winds and little vertical mixing. This is due to an inversion near the surface that will trap pollutants in the valleys. * WHERE...Portions of south central and southwest Idaho and northeast and southeast Oregon. * WHEN...Until 10 AM MST /9 AM PST/ Thursday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
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.
Malheur Falls Post Fire Hazards Closure
Prohibitions1. Entering into or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).2. Being on a National Forest System Road. 36 CFR § 261.54(c) and (e).
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 occupies the high point of a north-south ridgeline in the Burns Ranger District of the southern Malheur National Forest at 6,695 feet elevation. Established in 1927, the site features both a historic wooden ground cabin and a modern 50-foot wooden tower that remains in active use during fire season. The lookout is staffed approximately 4-5 months per year during the summer fire season for wildfire detection. The location offers commanding views of the Silvies Valley, Malheur National Forest, the Strawberry Mountains, and Harney Basin. The historic 1927 ground cabin is one of only two known D-5 design lookouts remaining in Region 6 (Oregon and Washington). The site is accessible by vehicle on forest roads and features excellent petrified wood specimens near the summit. This is not a rental facility or traditional campground. While the Malheur National Forest does offer one lookout rental (Fall Mountain Lookout) and four guard stations for public use, Calamity Butte remains an active fire detection facility and is not available for overnight rental or camping.
Directions
From Seneca, Oregon, head east on Forest Road 28 for approximately 20 miles. Turn onto Forest Road 2860 and continue for about 3 miles; note that this section is narrow and rough. Finally, take Forest Road 155 to reach the lookout; high-clearance vehicles are recommended for this final stretch.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
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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