Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Fairview Peak Lookout - Oregon

Umpqua National Forest

History

The Fairview Peak site was historically occupied as a fire lookout since the 1920s. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the tower was used as an Air Force "gap filler" radar station. Having a range of around sixty-five miles, these radars were placed in areas where it was thought enemy aircraft could fly low to avoid detection by the lower-range radars of the permanent and mobile radar networks. Gap-filler radar deployment peaked in December 1960 at 131 sites throughout the continental United States. Because the introduction of gap-filler radars alleviated the need for civilians to scan the skies for enemy bombers, the ADC disestablished the Ground Observance Corps on January 31, 1959. The tower continued as a gap-filler radar station until 1964. Today, Fairview Peak is host to private radio towers and Fairview Peak Lookout.

While aerial surveillance has replaced the need for continual summer lookout staffing, the lookout tower is often staffed during high fire danger, frequently during the months of August and September. Fairview Peak is located within the Slide Patented Mining Claim and is private property. However, the side of the mountain summit where the lookout tower is located is Forest Service property.

Description

The 15' x 15' one-room cabin is furnished with a futon, and a table with chairs, and is equipped with a propane heater, cook stove and oven, small refrigerator and wall lantern (no cooking utensils are provided). Near the tower is a fire ring, as well as a vault toilet. There is no water on site; visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing.

Area Attractions & Activities

The area is surrounded by rugged summits up to 6,000 feet above sea level in elevation and steep timbered slopes. Bohemia City can be viewed from Fairview Peak Lookout and from Bohemia Mountain trail. Musick Mine, one of the most productive gold mines in the district during the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, is a point of interest to history buffs and fortune seekers. Since many of the mines are private property and there are inherent dangers associated with mining sites, it is important not to trespass on, vandalize or enter any tunnels or shafts. Instead enjoy the spectacular views, hike trails through the forest, and imagine life as it once was in the era of an active mining community.

Amenities

• Vault Toilet
• Fire Ring
• Propane Heat
• Cook Stove/Oven
• Refrigerator
• Propane Lantern

There is additional room for tent camping, but the area is rocky.

Pets

No pets allowed.

Smoking

No Smoking.

Directions

From I-5, Cottage Grove Exit 174, take Row River Road 2400 east 19 miles to Brice Creek Road 2470. Keep right and continue on Brice Creek Road for 12 miles to Noonday Road 2212. Turn right on Road 2212 and go 8.8 miles to Champion Saddle. Stay left, travel on Sharps Creek Road 2460 for 1.1 miles to Fairview Lookout Road 2460-773. Turn right and follow for 1.2 miles to the end.

The last mile of road access is steep, rocky, and rough; high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended.

Warning

This site is not recommended for families with small children. The high tower stairway, catwalk access, and potential for inclement weather pose significant risks.