Pickett Butte Lookout

About

Pickett Butte Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in southwest Oregon's Umpqua National Forest. The current 40-foot flat-top structure was built in 1948, replacing the original 25-foot tower constructed in 1934. The butte is named after homesteader William T. Pickett, who rode into the area on horseback in 1898 and decided to stay. Guests must climb a very narrow, steep 40-foot stairway to reach the 12' x 12' one-room lookout, which is furnished with a single bed, small table and chair, and equipped with a propane heater. From the top, panoramic views encompass the entire Jackson Creek Drainage and much of the lower elevation lands around the town of Tiller, with the Rogue-Umpqua Divide's scenic peaks visible to the south and east. The lookout sits at 3,200 feet elevation and is available for reservations from October 15 through July 15, as it serves as an active fire lookout staffed by Forest Service personnel during summer months. Access requires high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles, as roads are not maintained for passenger cars or plowed in winter. During winter months, guests may occasionally need to snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe up to four miles to reach the lookout, though this is uncommon. The surrounding area offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and access to the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway.

Directions

From Canyonville take West 1st Street and turn onto SE 3rd St/OR-227. Continue on OR-227 approximately 23 miles to Tiller. From Tiller take County Road 46 (South Umpqua Road) for 3 miles to Pickett Butte Road (Forest Service Road 3113). Follow FS Road 3113 for 5 miles to FS Road 3113-300. Follow FS Road 3113-300 for 2 miles to the lookout. High clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles recommended. Roads not plowed in winter.