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.
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.…
National Forest Service Road 1758-161 and Hardesty Way Trail Construction
Road and trail work is occurring on National Forest Service Road 1758-161 and Hardesty Way Trail on the Cottage Grove Ranger District. Work is expected to continue until mid-June.
Forest-operated Developed Recreation Sites are No Longer Accepting Cash or Check
All Forest-operated developed recreation sites will no longer accept cash or check. Scan & Pay will be available at campgrounds, trailheads, showers, RV dump stations, boat ramps, and picnic day use areas across the Forest. How will this impact how you recreate in summer 2026? With limited…
Umpqua Hot Springs Rules and Regulations
The area of the Umpqua Hot Springs is designated day-use only. Prohibited actions in or around the Umpqua Hot Springs include:Being in the area after sundown or before sunriseCampingParking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions
14-Day Stay Limit Across Umpqua National Forest
Camping within a five-mile radius for longer than 14 days and staying longer than 28 calendar days in a given year is prohibited.
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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