Gold Butte Lookout

Notice: As a result of the 2021 Bull Fire Complex, the Gold Butte Lookout is closed until fire damage in the area "can be remediated." Check Willamette National Forest - Gold Butte Lookout for updates.

Gold Butte Lookout rests atop 4,618-foot Gold Butte. Once a lookout station for enemy aircraft during World War II, it is now offered as a rental unit by the Willamette National Forest. From the lookout guests have panoramic views of the Cascade Range, including Mt. Hood, the Three Sisters, and Mt. Jefferson. Detroit Lake (shown above) with boating, waterskiing, and fishing is only 11 miles away. During the summer and early autumn along the slopes near the lookout find wildflowers and huckleberries.

Lookout Features

The 14 x 14-foot lookout cabin can accommodate 4 people. Inside is a twin bed with mattress along with 3 folding cots. Also in the lookout are a table, bench, chair, woodbins, cabinet, fire extinguisher, cleaning supplies, dishes, and utensils. A wood stove provides heat. The cabin does not have water, a cook stove, nor electricity. Nearby is an outhouse with a vault toilet and a wood shed, well stocked. An axe is provided for splitting wood.

Access

"The last 2 miles of road access are rough gravel and dirt at a 10 percent uphill grade. Low clearance vehicles are not recommended. The lookout is located approximately half a mile from the parking area. You will be hiking on a road to a saddle and from there a steep trail to the summit."

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, sleeping pads, battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, toilet paper, towels, cookware (pots and pans), a propane camp stove, an ice chest, 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: Willamette National Forest: Gold Butte Lookout and Recreation.gov - Gold Butte Lookout