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.
Umpqua National Forest Ranger Stations Holiday Closures
All Umpqua National Forest Offices will be closed on December 24 and December 25, 2025 and January 1, 2026.Umpqua National Forest Headquarters in Roseburg will be closed December 25 and December 26, 2025.
Forest Road Closures and Delays
Expect DelaysOn the Cottage Grove Ranger District, Herman Creek Bridge repair and work on National Forest Service Road 1700-623 is occurring. One lane will remain open, expect delays. Drive with caution in the area as staff may also be working under the bridge.
Trail Closures or Alerts
Dread and Terror section of the North Umpqua TrailLocated approximately 1.75 miles upriver from the start of the Dread and Terror section of the North Umpqua Trail (from the Umpqua Hot Springs Trailhead) a boulder has severely damaged the bridge
Order No. 06-15-03-24-03 - Hot Springs Regulations
PROHIBITIONS, in the area marked in the map or Exhibit A.1.Being in the area after sundown and before sunrise. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(l).2.Camping. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e).3.Parking or leaving a vehicle in violation of posted instructions. 36 C.F.R § 261.58(g).
Order No. 06-15-25-01 - Stay Limit of 14 Days
Camping within a five-mile radius for longer than 14 days and staying longer than 28 calendar days in a given year is prohibited.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 2:25PM PST until December 31 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...Air quality is likely to worsen through Wednesday afternoon. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will trap pollutants. * WHERE...Valley areas, both west of the Cascades in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties, and east of the Cascades in Klamath and Lake counties. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
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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