Fall Mountain Lookout Cabin
Currently closed due to safety concerns with the tower structure. Normal operating season is May 6 through October 31. Reservations typically available via Recreation.gov at $40 per night for up to 2 guests.
From Recreation.gov
Fall Mountain Lookout will be unavailable due to safety concerns with the tower structure.
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.…
Stancliff Bridge FSR31 Closure for Repair
This Closure is necessary to facilitate emergency repairs to roads and bridges within the Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Road maintenance on the Emigrant Creek Ranger District will commence on Monday, April 20, 2026. The Stancliff bridge must be closed to protect the public during the repair…
Magone Trail Closure Continuation 2026
Due to precommercial thinning operations that are planned around Magone Bike trail paths, for the safety of the public these trails need to be closed to the public while falling activities take place. Trails and Trailheads affected:Porcupine Springs #5089Phlo #5091Pumphouse #5091
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
Fall Mountain Lookout Tower offers a unique overnight experience in central Oregon's Malheur National Forest, approximately 20 miles south of John Day. Built in 1933 at an elevation of 5,949 feet, this historic fire lookout once served forest personnel who monitored the surrounding landscape for signs of smoke. Today, guests can experience the life of a lookout while enjoying 360-degree views of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and the towns of Seneca and Mt. Vernon. The 14-by-14-foot cabin sits atop an 18-foot tower accessed by stairs. Unlike most lookouts, Fall Mountain is wired for electricity and equipped with electric lights, heating, a cook stove, and refrigerator. A futon bed, table, and chairs are provided, along with basic kitchen equipment including pots, pans, dishes, and tableware. A vault toilet is located near the tower base. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as well as sleeping bags, flashlights, and all food. This is a pack-in-pack-out facility. The access road is exceptionally narrow, rutted, and rough; a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. Nearby recreational opportunities include wildlife viewing, huckleberry picking, star gazing, and hiking trails into the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness.
Directions
From John Day, travel approximately 15.5 miles south on Highway 395. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 4920. Follow Forest Service Road 4920 approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 607 and continue approximately 1 mile to the lookout. High-clearance vehicle recommended due to narrow, rough road conditions. Do not use Luce Creek Road/County Road 76 as it becomes a private road with a locked gate.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 820-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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