Pickett Butte Lookout
Open for reservations October 15 through July 15 annually. Closed during summer fire season when used by fire management. Currently within operating season and fully reserved through the next week. Roads are not plowed; winter access may require snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe travel. Cash is not accepted.
Fire Weather Watch issued July 20 at 12:40PM PDT until July 22 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
The National Weather Service in Medford has issued a Fire Weather Watch, which is in effect from Wednesday morning through Wednesday evening. * IMPACTS...Abundant lightning on dry fuels will likely create new ignitions across the region. Any fires that develop could spread rapidly. Numerous new fire starts could overwhelm initial attack. * AFFECTED AREA...Areas in southern Oregon along and east of the Cascades, along the western foothills and slopes of the Cascades, and over the Siskiyous, including Fire Weather Zones 617...621...622...623...624 and 625. * THUNDERSTORMS...Moving roughly north to northeast around 15 to 20 mph. Storm mode will be mostly wet thunderstorms, but dry lightning strikes can occur outside of wet cores. * OUTFLOW WINDS...Isolated gusts up to 45 mph. * DETAILED URL...View the hazard area in detail at https://weather.gov/wrh/hazards?wfo=mfr
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.
About
Originally built in 1934 and replaced with the current flat-top structure in 1948, Pickett Butte Lookout provides a unique overnight experience in southwest Oregon's Umpqua National Forest. The tower stands 40 feet tall and requires climbing a very narrow, steep stairway to reach the one-room cabin. Once inside, guests are rewarded with sweeping views of the entire Jackson Creek Drainage and the Rogue-Umpqua Divide peaks, which remain snow-capped until early summer. The 12x12 cabin accommodates a maximum of 4 guests and is equipped with propane-powered amenities: a heater, lanterns, cooking stove with oven, and refrigerator. A pulley system allows transport of items from ground level. A vault toilet is located at the base of the tower. No potable water is available on-site; the nearest source is at Tiller Ranger Station, about 20 minutes away. Access requires high-clearance or 4WD vehicles via Forest Service roads. During winter months, snow may require snowmobiling, skiing, or snowshoeing up to 3-4 miles to reach the lookout. GPS units have been known to send guests down incorrect roads, so following official directions is strongly recommended.
Directions
From Canyonville, take West 1st Street and turn onto SE 3rd St/OR-227. Continue approximately 23 miles to Tiller. From Tiller, take County Road 46 (South Umpqua Road) for 3 miles to the Pickett Butte turnoff at Forest Service Road 3113 (on the right across the bridge). Follow FS Road 3113 for 5 miles to the 300 Spur Road sign (3113-300). Take the 300 Spur Road 2 miles to the lookout. High-clearance or 4WD vehicle recommended. Do not rely on GPS, which has directed guests to wrong roads.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| 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) 825-3100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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