Campground Details - PICKETT BUTTE LOOKOUT, OR - ReserveAmerica

Overview

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 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 November 1 through May 31. The roads to the lookout are not plowed, nor are they maintained for passenger cars. High clearance vehicles are recommended for travel to this site, and guests must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

Guests at Pickett Butte Lookout will be treated to expansive views of the Rogue Umpqua Divide Wilderness area, situated between the Rogue and Umpqua Rivers. Unique volcanic and sedimentary rock outcroppings and dense conifer forests define this landscape, giving way to sub-alpine meadows and summer wildflowers in the higher elevations.

Water is abundant in streams and a handful of lakes in the area, and diverse plant communities provide habitat for abundant wildlife ranging from hummingbird to black bear.

Learn more about bear safety.

Recreation:

Hiking, birding and wildlife viewing are popular among guests. Seasonal changes envelope the area as snowmelt gives rise to spring flowers and vivid autumn colors welcome a landscape dusted with snow.

Guests may enjoy a day of scenic driving along a portion of the 172-miles Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway. Mountain and river scenery unfold along the highway, showcasing everything from rolling oak-covered hills and towering coniferous forests to roaring white water rapids and incised intercanyon lava flows.

Swimming at the Three C Rock Picnic Area, about 7 miles from the lookout, is also a refreshing way to spend a warm summer afternoon.

Facilities:

The lookout cabin is a 12 x 12 room, set 40 feet above the ground. It is furnished with a a single bed, a small table and chair, propane heater, cook stove and oven and small refrigerator. Outside, a vault toilet is provided, and there is an additional area for tent camping.

A pulley system is available to transport items from the ground to the lookout.

Guests must bring several of their own amenities, including food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags.

There is no water available at the site. Guests must bring water necessary for drinking, cooking and washing. Potable water is available at a spigot in front of the Tiller Ranger Station office. Although propane lighting is available, bringing an additional light source is recommended.

Visitors must pack out all trash; trash bags can be dumped at the transfer site on County Road 46 at milepost 4.5. The transfer site is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A confirmation letter required to dump at this site. There is also a dumpster available at the Ranger Station.

Nearby Attractions:

Visitors may want to take some time to visit nearby Crater Lake National Park for a glimpse into the area's fascinating geological and cultural history.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Hiking Historic Sites Mattress(es) Parking Area Propane Heat Propane Lights	Propane Refrigerator Propane Stove Scenic Overlooks Table & Chairs Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

Maximum capacity is four people
This site is not recommended for families with small children; the high tower stairway, catwalk access, and potential for inclement weather pose significant risks
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, and other wildlife from area
Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure
The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility
The Osborne Fire Finder is an important tool for fire administration and is used by lookout staff; please treat it with respect and do not use it for a table
No campfires during high fire danger; please be advised, Pickett Butte is an active fire lookout and will be staffed by Forest Service Personnel, during daylight hours, for situations critical to the district
If there are active fires on the district or fire potential reaches a dangerous level, reservations will be cancelled and renters will be given a refund
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

Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.95, -122.84972
42°57'0"N, 122°50'59"W

Entry to the lookout is by combination lock. Please call the Tiller Ranger District office at (541)825-3100 at least 4 days prior to your arrival at the lookout to confirm the combination.

Please contact the Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit.

From Interstate 5, take exit 98 at Canyonville. Travel 26 miles east on Highway One to Tiller. At Tiller, take County Road 46, south Umpqua Road for 3 miles to Pickett Butte Road 3113. Follow 3113 for 5 miles to the 3113-300. Follow 3113-300 for 2 miles to Pickett Butte Lookout. The lookout building and gate are locked.

Please use caution during winter months. Pickett Butte's elevation is 3,200 feet and does receive snow. The road to the lookout is not plowed.