PICKETT BUTTE LOOKOUT

About

Perched atop Pickett Butte at an elevation of 3,200 feet, this lookout offers visitors a unique lodging experience in Umpqua National Forest in southwest Oregon. After climbing 40 feet up on a very narrow steep stairway to the one-room structure, guests are rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Jackson Creek Drainage and much of the lower elevation lands around the town of Tiller. The original lookout was 25 feet tall and built in 1934. In 1948 the tower was replaced with the current flat top structure. The tower is available for reservations October 1st through July 15th (lookout is utilized for fire season during the summer months). The roads to the lookout are not plowed, nor are they maintained for passenger cars. High clearance or four wheel drive vehicles are recommended for travel to this site, and guests must bring several of their own amenities. Please be aware that while very uncommon, during winter months guests may need to snowmobile, ski or snowshoe up to four miles to reach the lookout. Maximum capacity is four people (due to weight limits on the tower) There is no water at the site This site is not recommended for families with small children; the high steep tower stairway, catwalk access, and potential for inclement weather pose significant risks for injury if not careful. The tower is secured with an overhead hatch door which may be difficult to open; please use caution when opening and closing this door, and keep the door closed while in the lookout Please do not let pets roam freely, as they may endanger wildlife and plants Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrel, mice, rats, bears Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility Learn more about Umpqua National Forest. Storms are part of the thrill of staying at a lookout, but they are also extremely dangerous. If a lightning storm should occur while you are at the lookout, please follow these rules: Stay indoors or in your car If you are trapped outside during a lightning storm, move to lower ground and stay low to the ground Do not stand under trees or other high objects If you are in the lookout building, close windows and doors Turn off radios and not touch anything metal, the lookout itself is "grounded" Don’t Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.