Fivemile Butte Lookout in OR -- Campground & RV Camping

Elevated at 4,627 feet on Fivemile Butte, this non-typical lookout tower features a 14-by-14 room atop a 40-foot structure encircled by an outdoor catwalk. The cabin contains a small bed, wood stove, table, chairs, propane cook stove, and solar-powered lights. A gear pulley connects the cab to the ground level, which holds a wood shed and vault toilet. There is no water on site. Set in a forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and hemlock, the lookout provides access to Eightmile Creek trails for hiking, biking, and winter cross-country skiing.

Getting there: From Dufur, Oregon, travel west on Valley Road for about 18 miles to the junction of Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430, at Billy Bob Sno-Park (the road may be plowed to the Sno-Park). Turn right on Forest Service Road 4430-120, then turn left and follow to the spur road 122. There is a gate that you will have to unlock (in winter months the gate is left open), then follow the 122 road to the end. The route is approximately 3 miles and is marked with orange and blue diamond shaped blazers. This route is not plowed, signed or patrolled. Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430 are closed from the junction of Forest Service Roads 44/4430 to Highway 35, from Dec. 1st through April 1st, prohibiting motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide without a permit. During this time and later into the year depending on snow levels, visitors should park at Billy Bob Sno-Park and hike, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile 3 miles to the lookout. A Northwest Forest Pass is required park at the Sno-Park. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Barlow Ranger District.

• Moderately separated here.
• Cabins and shelters rather than pads, with most of them shaded.
• Mount Hood stands 6,609 ft above the map pin, 11 miles west.
• Station Spring lies 0.6 mi off.

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