Clearwater Lookout Cabin

Clearwater Lookout Cabin

Open

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.

Umatilla National Forest

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.

Umatilla National Forest

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.

Umatilla National Forest

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…

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.

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

Clearwater Lookout Cabin
Inside view of kitchen area
Looking inside bedroom of the lookout. Propane heat stove replaced June 2023.
Small cabin located at the base of an unmanned Lookout Tower
Provided cleaning supplies area in lookout cabin kitchen. Water is not provided.
Clearwater Lookout Cabin
Clearwater Lookout Cabin
View from inside the bedroom looking towards the kitchen.
The kitchen table and photographs taken on the district.
Clearwater Lookout with wildflowers

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