Clearwater Lookout Cabin
Open year-round. Vehicle access available mid-June through late October; winter access requires skiing or snowmobiling 6.5 miles from Rose Springs Sno-Park. Reservations via Recreation.gov. Contact Pomeroy Ranger District three business days before arrival for cabin combination.
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.…
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 This Forest Order is effective May 26, 2026, through May 26, 2028, unless rescinded sooner.
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.
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 sits at 5,600 feet in the Umatilla National Forest, about 25 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington. Built in 1935, this single-story wood-frame cabin rests at the base of the historic Clearwater Lookout Tower, a 94-foot steel structure erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. The rugged Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness unfolds in every direction, with mountain slopes covered in bunchgrass, lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir. The cabin is divided into a kitchen and bedroom, furnished with four extra-long single beds. Propane powers the heater, lights, refrigerator, and stove/oven. Basic cookware, dishes, and utensils are provided, though guests should bring their own bedding, flashlights, and dish soap. There is no potable water on site, so visitors must pack in all water needed for drinking, cooking, and washing. A vault toilet is located nearby, and an outdoor firepit and picnic table are available. Mouse poison is present, so monitor children and pets closely. Vehicle access runs from mid-June through late October, weather permitting. In winter, guests park at Rose Springs Sno-Park (Washington Sno-Park permit required) and travel 6.5 miles by cross-country skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile on a beginner-to-intermediate trail. Wildlife sightings may include Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, mule and white-tailed deer, black bears, and cougars.
Directions
From Pomeroy, take 15th Street south (becomes Peola Road) for approximately 16 miles to the forest boundary where the road turns to gravel. Continue on Forest Service Road 40 for about 7 miles to Clearwater Junction. The cabin is to the right at the base of Clearwater Lookout Tower. Park beside the cabin but not on the concrete helipad.
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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