Clearwater Lookout Cabin
Closed — Open year-round for reservations. Vehicle access is available June 1 through November 1. Winter access requires snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes from Rose Springs Sno-Park, approximately 6.5 miles from the cabin on a beginner to intermediate trail. A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required for winter parking.
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.…
Road and Campground Closure - Tucannon Area
The Umatilla National Forest has temporarily closed four roads and other recreation sites on the Pomeroy Ranger District due to unsafe driving conditions caused by the recent rainfall and river flooding. Forest Service Road (FSR) 47 has been closed at the junction of the Tucannon Fish Hatchery to…
Use of Vehicles - Asotin Winter Ranger Closure
The Asotin Winter Range Area Closure prohibits the possession or use of a vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any type of vehicle prohibited on National Forest System Roads within specific boundaries.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Meacham Divide Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Meacham Divide Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Seasonal Use of Motorized Vehicles - Andies Prairie Snow Play Area
Seasonal use of motorized vehicles on and off national forest system roads located in the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Spout Springs Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Spout Springs Ski area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Use of Motorized Vehicles - Bluewood Ski Area
Use of motorized vehicles on and off National Forest System Roads and Trails located in the Bluewood Ski Area. This Forest Order is effective January 22, 2026, through January 1, 2028.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads (FSR) 40 and 42 on the Pomeroy Ranger District. This Forest Order is effective September 4, 2025, through August 31, 2027.
Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake
Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake. This Forest Order is effective August 26, 2026, through August 26, 2028.
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas
Prohibitions for occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas including storing equipment, personal property or supplies, possessing or using a wagon, cart or other vehicles, riding, and more. This Forest Order is effective August 21, 2025, through August 31, 2027
Spout Springs Ski Area Information
Spout Springs Ski Area will be closed for the 2025-2026 season. The Forest Service is looking for an operator to provide professional management and operational oversight at Spout Springs. The operator will be responsible for all aspects of resort management, including but not limited to: hiring…
Mill Creek Municipal Watershed Closure Area
A special closure area for the Mill Creek Municipal Watershed that prohibits going into or being upon the described area. This closure is in place for the protection of public health and safety. This Forest Order is effective November 19, 2024, through November 19, 2026.
14 Day Stay Limit
Camping on the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman, and Malheur National Forests for a period longer than 14 days within any 30-day period is prohibited. This Forest Order is effective July 14, 2023, through July 20, 2026.
Panjab Trail #3127 bridge temporarily removed
Forest Service Officials have temporarily removed the Panjab Trail #3127 bridge to proactively mitigate potential post-fire debris flows that could damage the bridge this winter or next spring. The area experienced a runoff event in the spring of 2022, which created debris slides down Panjab…
Over-snow Vehicle Restrictions
Prohibitions on over-snow vehicle restrictions including operating or possessing an over-snow vehicle with a body width greater than 60 inches, operating an over-snow vehicle on Forest Service system roads or trails located on the Umatilla NF from April 1st to December 31st, and operating an…
About
Clearwater Lookout Cabin is a historic single-story rental cabin constructed in 1935, nestled at the base of the 94-foot Clearwater Lookout steel tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. Located approximately 25 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington in the Umatilla National Forest, this cabin sits at 5,600 feet elevation offering expansive panoramic views of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. The cabin was updated in summer 2023 and is divided into a kitchen and bedroom, furnished with four extra-long single beds. It features propane heating, propane lights, a propane cook stove, and a refrigerator, along with some cookware, dishes, and utensils. Outside amenities include a firepit and picnic table, with an outhouse located nearby. Guests must bring their own water, bedding, and are encouraged to bring personal cooking utensils. The historic lookout tower itself is closed to public access but remains a notable landmark. The cabin's location provides access to horseback riding and hiking trails, with opportunities for mushroom and berry picking in warmer months. Winter brings groomed snowmobile and ski trails. The rugged landscape features mountain slopes carpeted with bunchgrass, lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir, with potential wildlife sightings including Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed and mule deer, black bears, cougars, and coyotes.
Directions
From Pomeroy, take 15th Street south which becomes Peola Road and follow for 8 miles. The road becomes Mountain Road; follow for 7.5 miles on pavement to the forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 40 for about 9 miles to Clearwater Junction. The cabin is located to the right at the base of Clearwater Lookout Tower. Park beside the cabin, but not on the concrete helipad. Winter visitors must park at Rose Springs Sno-Park about 1.5 miles inside the forest boundary and travel 6.5 miles by snowmobile, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required for winter parking.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
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 | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 843-1891 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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