Pickett Butte Lookout
Open — Available for reservations October 15 through July 15. The lookout is staffed by Forest Service personnel for fire operations during summer months. Roads are not plowed in winter, and high clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended year-round.
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.
Forest-operated Developed Recreation Areas Going Cashless April 1
Starting April 1, 2026, all Forest-operated developed recreation sites will have cashless collections and no longer accept cash or check.
Expect Delays Along Highway 28
On the Tiller Ranger District, hazard tree mitigation is occurring on Highway 28. Expect temporary delays of 10 to 20 minutes during falling operations.
Umpqua Hot Springs Winter Road Closure
Starting January 6, 2026, National Forest System Road (NFSR) 3401, or the road to the Umpqua Hot Springs, will close due to the incoming winter storm. The closed gate is located on the Diamond Lake Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest just past the junction of NFSRs 34 and 3401.
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
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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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