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.
Timber Harvest Operations on Forest Service Road (FSR) 42
Forest officials advise visitors that timber harvest operations will continue this winter along Forest Service Road (FSR) 42 located on the Pomeroy Ranger District. Depending on the snow levels, one lane may be plowed for logging use.
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42
Speed Limit Adjustment on Forest Service Roads 40 and 42 in the Pomeroy Ranger District.
Wake and Personal Watercraft Prohibition on Olive Lake
Wake and personal watercraft prohibition for Olive Lake.
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas
Occupancy and Use in the Umatilla NF Wilderness Areas.
Mill Creek Municipal Watershed - Walla Walla Ranger District
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.
Asotin Winter Range Closure - Pomeroy Ranger District
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.
Storm Damage Emergency Road Closure - Walla Walla Ranger District
The Storm Damage Emergency Road Closure for the Walla Walla Ranger District includes Forest Service Road (FSR) 3200 from the bridge over the South Fork Umatilla River in T3N R37E S22 to the hairprin turn at Thomas Creek in T2N R37E S13, a distance of approximately 8 miles.
Use of motorized vehicles National Forest System Roads and Trails: Spout Springs Ski Area
The Spout Springs closure area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off Forest System Roads, using a motorized vehicle on Forest System Roads, or using any motorized vehicle on Forest System trails from December 1 to March 31.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Andies Prairie Snow Play Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads within the Andies Prairie Snow Play Area between December 1 and March 31.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System trails between December 1 and
Use of Vehicles National Forest System Roads and Trails: Bluewood Ski Area
Possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads, using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads, and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Trails is prohibited within the Bluewood Ski Area.
Seasonal use of Motorized Vehicles National Forest System Roads: Meacham Divide Nordic Area
The seasonal use Forest Order for the Meacham Divide Nordic Area prohibits possessing or using a motorized vehicle off National Forest System Roads and using any motorized vehicle on National Forest System Roads within the Meacham Divide Nordic Area between December 1 and March 31.
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.
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 Panja
Over-snow Vehicle Restrictions
ORDER NO. 2012-0614-UMA-01Pursuant to 36 CFR, Sec. 261.S0(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the area described in this order within the Umatilla National Forest, until further notice.
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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