Gold Butte Lookout

Show on map 503-854-3366 sheldon.lasher@usda.gov

HC73 BOX 320
Mill City, OR 97360

Overview

The Gold Butte Lookout sits on the summit of Gold Butte at an elevation of 4,618 feet in the Willamette National Forest. It was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. During World War II, the lookout 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 lookout stands on 3-foot stilts and is surrounded by glass windows and an exterior catwalk, offering a panoramic view of the Cascades. It is furnished with refurbished or replica furniture. The lookout is typically open from early July through mid-October. It is accessible by car, but guests should be prepared to walk the last half mile on difficult and steep terrain to reach the lookout. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the drive. Guests will need to pack in most of their own supplies and gear.

Recreation

In addition to relaxing and taking in the incredible views from Gold Butte, guests can venture out and experience other recreation opportunities nearby. Canoeing and fishing is possible in peaceful Elk Lake. Day hiking is a popular pastime in the adjacent Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wilderness Areas or nearby Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.

Facilities

The 14x14-ft. wood cabin accommodates 4 people and comes equipped with 1 twin bed with mattress and 3 folding cots. Other amenities include a table, bench, chair, cabinet, wood bins, fire extinguisher, broom, dustpan, cleaning supplies, dishes and utensils. A wood stove is provided for heat. An outhouse and a woodshed stocked with firewood are located nearby. An axe may be available for chopping wood. Water, a cook stove and electricity are not provided. Guests must bring enough water for drinking, cooking and washing. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, fire starters, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. This facility is opened and closed by the Sand Mountain Society. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

Guests at the lookout can enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade Range, including nearby Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Hood, the Three Sisters and Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area. Seasonal wildflowers and wild huckleberries grow nearby. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagles, blacktail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Longest RV: 20 ft
Largest party: 4 people

Directions

From Detroit Ranger Station, drive east on State Highway 22 toward the town of Detroit. Directly after crossing the bridge, take a left onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 46 (Breitenbush). Drive FSR 46 for about 4 miles to FSR 4696. Turn left (northeast) onto FSR 4696 and drive about three-quarters of a mile to FSR 4697. Turn left (north) onto FSR 4697 and drive about 5 miles to the saddle. Turn right onto FSR 451 and proceed to the first right (FSR 453). Proceed through the gate approximately half a mile to the parking area at the second green gate. 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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

6 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

Emily A

Loop:Area Gold Butte Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

Everything was perfect. The gravel road gets pretty rough but only for a short period, I recommend going extremely slow over that section. The gate code worked, hike up was a little longer than .5 and it was steep but well worth it. The lookout and bathroom were clean and well cared and I hope it continues to stay that way for many years to come.

Grace M

Loop:Area Gold Butte Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 4 months ago

Road up is a bit bumpy but not terrible with high clearance. The hike up was brutal even though it’s short. Not sure if the second gate is supposed to open or not but we couldn’t unlock it so we had to hike from there which was an extra 0.6 miles making it 1 mile hike total. Beautiful views on the way up and even more beautiful views when you get to the lookout tower. There are cots available under the bed (we didn’t know so we brought one), stove with propane, toilet paper, sanitizer, lots of games, binoculars, a lighter and some plates/silverware. Lookout is in great condition and cools down once you open the windows even though there’s not much of a breeze. We did find one tick in the cabin. Bathroom is a steep walk down from the lookout but in very good, clean condition. Elk lake is about 2.5 miles from the gate so we went there for the day. Enjoyed a gorgeous sunset both nights before the stars came out. No wildlife spotting besides a bunny. Would definitely stay Here again! Pack as if you are backpacking since the hike is so steep, you definitely wouldnt Want to have to go back to the car to get supplies

Bryony M

Loop:Area Gold Butte Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

One of the best maintained lookouts in Oregon, but like all it needs constant work. The views to east are very nice along with the new twin mattress. Not that there is not a lock on the lookout door and the hike is closer to 0.8 miles from the second gate with decent amount of elevation gain starting at a fair amount of elevation. Pack for backpacking!

Ken R

Loop:Area Gold Butte Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

The lookout is in great shape. Bare bones but hard to beat how remote it is. The last three miles of road are very rough and rocky. 5 mph max in some sections. From the parking spot the hike in is close to a mile not the .5 miles listed. Not hard but a steady climb.

Romeo C

Loop:Area Gold Butte Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 7 years ago

Beautiful scenery and gorgeous views

Hannah H

Loop:Area Gold Butte Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 7 years ago

It felt like a lot more than a little over a mile BUT once you got to the top it was well worth it! So many kind people left supplies for us and it was a lovely experience! Did get some bites from sleeping on the cot mattress without laying down a protective layer first, but that's camping! There was also cell service at the top which was a surprise. Lovely, clean, peaceful space! Can't wait to go back!

Availability

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