Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Gold Butte Lookout - Oregon

Willamette National Forest

History

The hip roof L-4 ground structure with a catwalk was constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corp as part of an extensive ground based "fixed-point" fire detection system. Eight years later, the Forest Service constructed a cabin just north of the lookout. During World War II, the lookout and cabin served as part of Aircraft Warning System station in defense of the nation against air attack. It was staffed around the clock, usually by a husband and wife team, who reported all passing aircraft within sight or sound to a central filter center.

The fire lookout and cabin was abandoned in the 1960's and scheduled to be burned. The cabin was burned but the Pacific Crest Trust Fund prevented the demise of the lookout. This group organized it’s preservation by raising money and providing volunteer labor to rehabilitate the structure. They continued to complete ad hoc work until the late 1980's. In 1991, Gold Butte Lookout was evaluated as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and is listed in the National Lookout Register. In 1996, the late Ron Johnson, a retired Forest Service dispatcher and then Director of the Oregon Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association, encouraged the Forest Service to form a partnership with Sand Mountain Society to rehabilitate and maintain the fire lookout. Subsequently, a partnership was formed and restoration began in 1999. Thanks to Sand Mountain Society’s dedication and hard work, the lookout has a new lease on life. Gold Butte Lookout opened as a recreation rental to the public on June 29, 2007 to help ensure its long term preservation and maintenance.

Description

The historic rustic one-room 14’ x 14’ cabin is surrounded by glass windows and an exterior catwalk with a 360° view. It is furnished much like the lookout of past with refurbished or replica furniture including: one twin bed and mattress, table, bench, stool, cabinet, wood bins and fire-finder stand. Three folding cots are provided for occupants. It is equipped with a wood stove for heating, fire extinguisher, broom, dust pan, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and some dishes and untensiles. An outhouse and a woodshed (stocked with firewood) are located near the lookout. No water is available. Visitors must pack in their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. Visitors must also bring sleeping bags, propane lantern for lighting, cook stove, cookware, and garbage bags to "Pack it out."

Area Attractions & Activities

In addition to relaxing and taking in the incredible views from Gold Butte, venture out and experience other recreation opportunities nearby. Canoe or fish in a peaceful setting at Elk Lake, or rent a boat at Detroit Lake for a change of pace. Enjoy a day hike in the adjacent Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wilderness Areas or nearby Mt. Jefferson Wilderness. Sightsee and explore along the West Cascades National Scenic Byway. Nature abounds with wildflowers, wildlife and wild huckleberry treats.

Amenities

• Wood Stove for Heat
• Firewood
• Outhouse

The site does not have adequate space to accommodate tents.

Pets

Pets are allowed.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From Salem, travel 50 miles on Highway 22 to Detroit. Turn onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 46-Breitenbush Road and proceed about 4 miles to FSR 4696. Turn left onto FSR 4696 and drive about 0.75 of a mile to FSR 4697. Turn left onto FSR 4697 and travel about 5 miles to the saddle. Turn right onto FSR 451 and proceed to the first right (FSR 453). On FSR 453, proceed through the gate and continue approximately 0.5 mile to the parking area located at the second green gate. (Note: The last two miles of road access is rough gravel and dirt with 10% grade, and is not maintained for low clearance vehicles.) From the parking area, it is about a ½ mile difficult hike to the lookout.

Warning

This is an all-wood structure. Extreme caution must be taken when using lanterns and cook stoves. Smoking is prohibited inside the lookout. Note the location of the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its use. No campfires.