Gold Butte Lookout
Closed — The rental facility is closed due to impacts from the 2021 Bull Complex Fire. The lookout typically operates from early July through mid-October when open. Visitors can still hike to the viewpoint.
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…
Portion of Forest Service Road 1003 (Tom Creek Road) closed
A portion of Forest Service Road 1003, also known as Tom Creek Road, is closed. The road closure starts at the junction of FSR 10 and FSR 1003 and includes the first 4.1 miles of FSR 1003 to the junction with the 1003-416 and 1003-409 roads.
Winter conditions may impact recreation sites and roads
Willamette National Forest roads are not maintained for winter travel. Many roads become impassable due to snow, ice, and fallen trees and debris during the colder months. As a reminder, snow and ice accumulation on Forest Service Roads is typically greatest in shaded areas and in places that face,…
Snow report; sno-park permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30
Snow LevelsHere is the snow report for February 20, 2026! Fresh snow this week helped improve trail conditions and covered some of the old hard packed snow. New snow is described as dry and powdery. Always check weather and road conditions before heading out and be prepared for winter travel.…
Emigrant Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this Order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. This Order…
Tamolitch Parking / Trail Construction Closure
Tamolitch Parking and Trail Construction Closure Forest Order.Forest roads 2600-735, 2600-738, and 2600-739: and the area is described as beginning at the junction of Highway 126 and 2600-735 road, west along the 2600-735 road, then northwest to the highwater mark of the east bank of the McKenzie…
Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Closure Areas, roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative…
FIRE CLOSURES: Current wildfire closures on the Willamette National Forest
For updates on active fires, visit our fire Incident Information page. Fire Closures:Emigrant Fire Closure Order & Map (updated 10/31/25)Cedar Creek Fire Closure Order & Map (updated 3/22/25)Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure Order & Map (updated 05/22/25)Map of All Fire Closures in…
Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries…
Carmen Reservoir Closure
To protect the health and safety of the public: due to heavy machinery and construction equipment traffic, the following area is closed: the footprint of Carmen Reservoir, from the center of the reservoir up to the high-water line and extends to the spillway area to the southwest and Forest Road…
Cedar Creek Fire Closure
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.
14 Day Stay Camping Limit
Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any locations on the Willamette National Forest described in this order, overnight, for a period longer than 14 calendar days, in a 30-day period.
Camping Restrictions in Cougar Recreation Area
The Cougar Recreation Area is a specially designated area around Cougar Reservoir. It includes a 1/2-mile strip on either side of Forest Service Road 19 from Hwy 126 to Forest Service Road 1927 as well as Terwilliger Hot Springs, Hidden Lake Day Use Area, areas surrounding Delta Campground, Slide…
Moose and Gordon Dispersed Camping Closure
The purpose of this closure is to prohibit dispersed overnight camping and make these areas available as day-use only. This is to allow river access for all users, reduce conflict, reduce safety concerns, reduce and eliminate health and sanitation issues associated with improper disposal of human…
Terwilliger Hot Springs Nudity, Alcohol, and Closed Times
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas and on the roads described in this Order.
Occupation Use Restriction in Middle Fork Ranger District
The following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this order within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.Prohibitions:1. Being in the area after sundown to before sunrise.2. Parking in violation of posted instructions.
About
Gold Butte Lookout sits atop Gold Butte at 4,618 feet elevation in the Willamette National Forest, offering one of Oregon's most spectacular overnight experiences. Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this historic fire lookout served a unique role during World War II as part of the Aircraft Warning System, staffed around the clock by teams who reported all aircraft activity to a central filter center. The lookout was restored over eight years (1999-2007) by volunteers from the Sand Mountain Society and is listed in the National Historic Lookout Register. The 14x14-foot wooden cabin stands on 3-foot stilts and is surrounded by glass windows and an exterior catwalk, providing breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Hood, the Three Sisters, and the Bull of the Woods Wilderness. The cabin accommodates up to 4 people with one twin bed and three folding cots, plus period-appropriate furnishings including a wood stove for heat, table, chairs, and basic kitchen supplies. An outhouse with vault toilet and woodshed with firewood are located nearby. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle for the rough forest road approach, followed by a steep half-mile hike from the parking area. The last 2 miles of road climb at a 10% grade over rough gravel and dirt. Guests must pack in all water for drinking, cooking, and washing, along with bedding, lighting, cookware, and other camping supplies. The remote location and seasonal wildflowers and huckleberries make this a memorable wilderness experience for those willing to make the effort.
Directions
From Detroit Ranger Station, drive east on Highway 22 toward Detroit. After crossing the bridge, turn left onto Forest Service Road 46 (Breitenbush). Drive 4 miles to FSR 4696 and turn left. Drive three-quarters of a mile to FSR 4697 and turn left. Drive 5 miles to the saddle, turn right onto FSR 451, then take the first right onto FSR 453. Proceed through the gate approximately half a mile to the parking area at the second green gate. The last 2 miles are rough gravel and dirt at a 10% uphill grade; high-clearance vehicles recommended. Hike half a mile on steep trail to reach the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (503) 854-3366 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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