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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 10:22AM PDT by NWS Medford OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory...in effect until noon PDT Monday for eastern Douglas County...mainly for areas in the south Umpqua River valley near Tiller and the Umpqua National Forest east of Steamboat. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels at times. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. People at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. For additional information...please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 10:17AM PDT by NWS Medford OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory...in effect until noon PDT Monday. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels at times. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. People at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. For additional information...please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org
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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