Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Warner Mountain Lookout - Oregon

Willamette National Forest

History

The 41-foot tower was taken from an old lookout on Grass Mountain, located west of Warner Mountain. That tower was constructed in 1963 and then torn down in 1980. Fire prevention personnel were assigned to move the original tower and to build the lookout in their spare time. Construction began in 1984 and was completed in the fall of 1988. The lookout was first staffed in the summer of 1989, and was offered as a rental in 1992.

Description

Warner Mountain Lookout is a one-room, 14' x 14' cabin, surrounded by a catwalk and perched atop a 41-foot tower. This replica of an old cupola-style lookout sits on a high vantage point of Warner Ridge. It is furnished with a single bed, and a table and chairs, and is equipped with propane stoves for both heating and cooking, a propane refrigerator and lights, and a two-way radio (for emergency use).

There is no potable water on site, and visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. No pets and no smoking are permitted on site. There is a 14' x 12' cabin at the base of the tower for storage. An outhouse is located nearby.

Area Attractions & Activities

The lookout is close to Middle Fork Willamette River -- Moon Point Trail area, with a diverse habitat ranging from meadows to rocky cliffs and dotted with high-elevation conifers. Enjoy winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, or relax and enjoy the breath-taking view from the lookout and cupola.

Amenities

• Outhouse
• Propane Stove
• Lights
• Refrigerator
• Dishes
• Cookware

There is space for additional camping nearby, with a maximum of 20 people for the entire area.

Pets

No pets.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

Drive south on I-5 from Eugene. Take the Exit for Highway 58 east. Drive east 34 miles on Highway 58 through Oakridge. Continue on Highway 58 about 1 to 1.5 miles east of Oakridge. Turn right towards Hills Creek Reservoir on Kitson Springs Road and proceed 0.2 mile to Forest Service Road (FSR) 21. Turn right. Follow double lane, paved FSR 21 south and southeast for approximately 18 miles. Turn left on gravel FSR 2129. Proceed on FSR 2129 for 8 miles to Spur 439. (You may encounter snow before you reach 439). Turn right at this junction and follow this road for 4 miles to the 342 spur on the left. This is the road to the lookout and is gated. Lookout signs along FSR 21 and FSR 2129 will help identify the routes. Orange poles identify the final route through a meadow to the lookout.

Warning

Winter access can range from moderate to difficult. The trip can be extremely strenuous, especially with a heavy snow pack, and could take an entire day. Come prepared for driving in winter conditions and carry tire chains and a shovel. This is a high wind and storm area.

Visitors must hike, snowshoe or ski approximately 6 to 10 miles to reach this lookout; plan on a full day to reach the site. Some route segments are exposed ridge tops and subject to strong winds and icy snow conditions. Weather conditions can change dramatically during a weekend.