Clear Lake Butte Lookout

Clear Lake Butte Lookout, also known as Clear Lake Cabin Lookout, is located south of Mt. Hood and northeast of Timothy Lake. The 15 by 15-foot cabin sits atop a 40-foot tower, offering wonderful views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson. Maximum occupancy is 4. From the lookout are guests look out on snow-covered trees, alpine lakes, and Cascade peaks.

Clear Lake Cabin, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Because it is an active Forest Service lookout during fire season, the cabin can only be rented from November 1 through May 31. In the winter, when the road to the lookout is closed (December 1 - April 30), renters have to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile 3.5 miles from Skyline Sno-Park to the lookout.

Lookout Features

The lookout cabin is surrounded by a wooden catwalk with a railing. Access to the cabin is by a stairway beneath the lookout cabin. Inside, the single room has a small bed suitable for 2, a wood stove, a table and chair. The lookout is equipped with solar lighting and a propane cook stove. Pots and pans, cooking utensils, and cleaning supplies are provided. There is no water. An outhouse is situated nearby along with a shed stocked with firewood. A rope and pulley system is available to transport gear, as well as firewood, up and down the tower with ease.

What Guests Need to Bring

Guests need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. They also must supply for own bedding or sleeping bags, toilet paper, and garbage bags. Guests must clean the cabin upon departure and take everything, including garbage and food.

Read full details and check for any updates: Mt. Hood National Forest: Clear Lake Butte Lookout and Recreation.gov - Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

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Clear Lake Butte Lookout Basics
Clear Lake Butte Lookout Location:	From Skyline Sno-Park on Highway 26, travel up Forest Service Road 42 to the 240 spur and then continue to the lookout. In winter (Dec. 1 - Apr. 30) guests must park at the Sno-Park and travel over snow by skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles 3.2 miles. A Sno-Park Parking Permit is required.
Elevation:	4,454 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities:	Hood River - 52 miles Portland - 72 miles Bend - 99 miles
Open - Closed:	Open November 1 - May 31
Max. People :	4
Maximum Number of Vehicles:	4
Pets:	Pets are permitted
Operated by	Mt. Hood National Forest
Information	Barlow Ranger District: (541) 467-2291

Clear Lake Butte Lookout Reservations
Reservations Available	Clear Lake Butte Lookout Reservations are available up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Wheelchair accessible sites:	None
Maximum length of stay:	7 nights
Cabin Rental Fees:	$85 per night
Cabin Reservations:	Clear Lake Butte Lookout Reservations The combination to the tower, woodshed, and gate (if locked) are all the same and are included in your confirmation email.
Check-in, check-out:	Check-in: 12:00 PM (confirm with Forest Service) Check-out: 11:00 AM

Clear Lake Butte Lookout Amenities
Cabin Interior:	1 bed for 2 people, table, chair, propane stove and oven, cooking pots and utensils, solar lights, cleaning supplies
Cabin Exterior:	Pully and rope to haul gear and firewood up, firewood, vault toilet, picnic table, space for tent camping
NOT included:	Visitors need to bring WATER, bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), pillows, towels, dish towels, matches, food containers, toilet paper, paper towels, flashlights, outdoor chairs, garbage bags.
Attractions near Clear Lake Butte Lookout:	Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. A ski tour is available around the spring-fed Little Crater Lake. Watch for wildlife. Spend the day at Timothy Lake. Shop Amazon for Trout Fishing Best Sellers

Clear Lake Butte Cabin map, Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Forest Service Cautions

"Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Visitors should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills. The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets. The steps and catwalk can become quite slippery due to rain, snow and ice, and the tower may sway in strong winds."

Mt. Hood National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride on the Timothy Lake Trail which circles the lake, offering 12 miles of fairly level terrain and many nice views.
Hike on the nearby Pacific Crest Trail.
Fish for trout in Timothy Lake from shore or boat.
Enjoy a picnic at scenic Pine Point Day Use Area on Timothy Lake's west shore.
Make the short trip to Little Crater Lake. A barrier-free 800-foot-long trail leads to a viewing platform.
Visit the nearby Clackamas Lake Historic Ranger District, a Forest Service facility built in the early 1900s.
Spend a day or more at beautiful Trillium Lake with boating, swimming, and fishing.

Key Clear Lake Butte Lookout Regulations

Smoking is not allowed in the cabin.
The cabin must be thoroughly cleaned before departure. Leave behind no food or other items you brought to the cabin.

Clear Lake Butte Lookout

Mt. Hood National Forest

Clear Lake Butte Lookout

Mt. Hood National Forest