Timber Butte Cabin

46375 Highway 58
Westfir, OR 97492

Overview

Timber Butte Lookout is located in the Fall Creek area of the Willamette National Forest at an elevation of 3,650 feet 19 miles from Lowell, Oregon. The cabin is open from mid-April through late October, offering the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities. The lookout was constructed in 2005 as a replica of the L-4 gabled-style lookout with wooden catwalk commonly built in this region in the 1930s. It was built through volunteer efforts with a $10,000 grant from Lane County and other contributions by individuals and organizations. The cabin can be accessed by car, but guests should expect to walk about 300 feet uphill from their parking spot. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Recreation

The lookout is located near the Fall Creek Trail Area. Several hiking trails can be accessed from this area, including the Fall Creek National Recreation Trail, which also offers opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Swimming holes can also be found along this trail.

Hunting is another popular activity in this area.

Facilities

The 14x14-ft. cabin is encircled by a catwalk. It sits slightly off the ground and is accessed by a ramp. The cabin accommodates 4 people and contains a double bed with sleeping pad, a propane heating stove, fire extinguisher, broom and dustpan. A 3-burner propane cook top is located on the deck. Propane is provided. Dishes and cookware are available. A picnic table and fire ring are located in a nearby group of trees, and a vault toilet is located about 300 feet away. No drinking water or electricity is provided. Guests must bring their own supply of drinking water. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

The lookout offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding evergreen forest. On clear days, guests may see Mount Jefferson and the peaks of the Three Sisters. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagles, black tail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.

Nearby Attractions

Guests can explore up to 20 historic covered bridges in nearby Lane County by car. Within 10 miles there is creek access, fishing, swimming, and hiking.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Fire pit: all 1 sites
Longest RV: 24 ft
Largest party: 4 people

Directions

Do not use the Google map suggested routes as they will take you through areas with many rock/logging trucks on one lane roads. Total mileage from Lowell to Timber Butte Cabin is 19 miles and will be around a 45 minute drive time. From Interstate 5 (I-5), take Highway 58 East (Exit 188) and travel for 13 miles toward Oakridge. Turn left off of Highway 58 at the Lowell covered bridge and proceed toward the town of Lowell. At the 4-way junction in Lowell, turn left onto Boundary Road. Take the next right (Moss Street) for 2 miles to the crossroads of Unity, where you'll see another covered bridge. Turn right (east) onto Big Fall Creek Road (18) and proceed 1/2 mile and turn right onto FSR 1802 (Winberry Creek Road), continue up approx. 12 miles. Turn left onto FSR 1821 and proceed approx. 1.5 miles. At the T junction turn left and continue 0.5 miles. Then turn left onto FSR 1821-168 for 1 mile, beware of logging trucks for this one mile stretch. Turn right onto FSR 1816-175 and after 100 yards turn left onto FSR 1816-131 (gated entrance road to the cabin). Look for the signs that say TB with arrows that point the way after you reach the 1821. The last mile of the road is brushy and road conditions make a high clearance vehicle necessary. Cabin parking is located about 1 mile up FSR 1816-131, adjacent to the outhouse.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

15 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Carla J

Loop:Timber Butte Cabin

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

Called it a day and gave up after 4 hours of trying. Multiple attempts driving to higher ground for service and back to gate, via help from others online and friends who had difficulty with this gate and helpful tips but we were unable to access gate lock. Every ounce of daylight trying. Holiday weekend, MFRD closed. Access gate was not a safe place to leave vehicle due to other FS road traffic and steep 1 mile hike up from gate to the actual cabin trailhead w gear, not advised in total blackness. Didn't want to become bear food 😊. MFRD has been aware of lock issues, others recently also had problems. Ended up getting a full refund. Still would love to return, I hope they fix the lock issue.

Nicholas G

Loop:Timber Butte Cabin

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Reviewed 5 months ago

Beautiful little cabin - wonderful to be so secluded but so easy to access. Cabin includes a trundle bed, two small tables and a few chairs, a propane heating stove, and some twinkle lights (if you bring a USB brick). Outside there is a small propane cooktop and a bbq fire ring a short distance away. View has been impeded by a few trees, but still some pretty sunsets with a few volcanoes visible! Will definitely be back soon :)

Fallon H

Loop:Timber Butte Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Could NOT get the gate unlocked. Really bummed. Walked our stuff up.

Ross s

Loop:Timber Butte Cabin

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Reviewed a year ago

Very cozy little cabin! We loved the outdoor cook stove. The setting is beautiful tucked in the trees.

Heidi H

Loop:Timber Butte Cabin

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Reviewed a year ago

Extremely peaceful and beautiful. I love this little cabin, the comfortable bed, easy propane stove outside, great fire pit and stunning trees to hang hammocks from.

Regis K

Loop:Timber Butte Cabin

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

1. Gate Lock doesn't work 2. No key for cabin door lock 3. Broken latch on toilet 4. Stove controller in pieces under the stove 5. Stove remote doesn’t work 6. Mold on windowsill by bed 7. NO lights

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve

Popularity: Busy

Busiest in November, when about 75% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 3 years of reservations.