Fire Lookout Towers in Oregon that you need to see this summer
Summer is finally here and the rain is behind us for the next few months. The shining sun and cloudless sky mean one thing around Portland: more time spent outside. And there’s no better way to do that then to pack up for a day or two, and hit the trails with a couple of close friends.
What makes it even better, though? A sweet lookout spot at the end of the hike to reward you for all your hard work. Double the points if there’s a cozy place for you to stay the night and rest before making the trek back down through the woods.
The sprawling views, primitive amenities, and isolated nature of fire lookout towers make it easy to romanticize the golden age of untouched natural areas, especially after Campo Santo’s sleeper hit Fire Watch. These five fire lookout towers give you the chance to immerse yourself in the ways of the US Forest Service by hiking to (and sometimes sleeping in) fire towers scattered across the Pacific Northwest.
Fivemile Butte Lookout
Only two hours drive from Portland is Fivemile Butte Lookout. Mt. Hood dominates the skies, being just 10 miles west of the hike, but once you get to the top, you get stunning views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens.
The hike itself, Eightmile Creek Loop Trail, is moderately difficult, and you’ll only need to steer through a few obstacles. You’ll be able to cross this almost 7 mile hike with just a little effort. There are a few turns and extensions, so make sure you map it out before hitting the trail. During June and July, wild flower meadows bloom all along the trail, making the already stellar hike that much better.
The 14 x 14 fire lookout has a small bed, a wood stove for heating, a table, chair, and a propane cook stove. Groups of up to four people can rent the tower for $50 a night. If the tower is booked out, Eightmile Campground is close enough to pitch a tent for the night.
Drive time from Portland: 2 hours
Hike Length: 6.8 miles loop
Reserve here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/88551
Warner Mountain Lookout Tower
This brilliant fire tower lookout is about 3 and a half hours drive from Portland, making it the perfect spot for anyone who wants to stretch their wings and explore more of what Oregon has to offer. This fire lookout is still used by the forest service during the summer months, but is available as a cozy retreat for common folk doing the winter months. During the colder weather, the trees and surrounding area quickly becomes draped in snow and ice, making the trek to the fire tower more strenuous than most. But the effort of hiking through the snow is well rewarded with panoramic scenes of the state below you and crystal clear views to the stars above.
If you want to stay here, you’re going to have to wait a while; reservations are often booked out months in advance. Check the reservation calendar and set a reminder so you can book a decent spot for when you want to go.
Drive time from Portland: 3 ½ hours
Hike Length: 2-10 miles depending on snow level and vehicle capability
Reserve here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/85095
Indian Ridge Lookout Tower
If you want something a little easier on the joints, Indian Ridge Lookout is the one for you. This fire tower is accessible by car. You’ll be able to drive right up to the stairs that take you to the top of the lookout tower. There is a hiking trail along the top of the ridge that visitors can explore while they’re there. The hike is lined with alpine trees and beargrass, as well as wildflowers and huckleberries during summer. After the hike you can cool off in the water of hidden lake, which is just a short drive back down the mountain.
Amenities in the cabin are sparse with only two twin beds and a table and chair. But the views of the Three Sisters and Cascade Crest make up for it a little. If you bring binoculars, scan the mountain line and you might get a glimpse of both the Sand Mountain lookout and Carpenter Mountain Lookout.
Drive time from Portland: 3 1/2 hours
Reserve here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campsites/81253
Coffin Mountain
Don’t let the name intimidate you; you should absolutely put Coffin Mountain on your list, especially if you’re looking for a short hike with great views. The hike is extremely popular among adventurists, and for good reason. The mostly exposed hike climbs through rocky flower meadows filled with beargrass. The open terrain gives great views of the surrounding mountains.
At the summit, you’ll find the lookout tower and uninterrupted views of all of your favorite volcanoes, including Mt. Saint Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Mt Washington, 3 Fingered Jack, and the 3 Sisters. This lookout is staffed during the summer months, so please be respectful of the space.
Drive time from Portland: 2 ½ hours
Hike Length: 2.5 miles
Black Butte Lookout
If climbing a volcano is on your to-do list, Black Butte Lookout is the place to go. The straightforward hike to Black Butte Lookout isn’t too difficult, but those with young kids might find it a little challenging. Once you get to the top, you can see peaks of the Central Oregon Cascades in almost every direction. This hike is great for families looking for an outdoor activity or beginner hikers who want to test the waters. The lookout is staffed, but visitors are welcome to explore around the lookout tower without going inside.
When planning your trip to Black Butte, make sure you leave enough time to check out Skylight Cave. It is a nearby attraction where beams of light stream into a dark lava tube.
Drive time from Portland: 3 hours
Hike Length: 3.9 miles
About Fire Lookout Towers
Fire lookout towers were built as live-in work spaces for forest guards who would be stationed at mountain summits to keep watch over the area below, constantly searching for wildfires during the dry months of the summer. Fire lookouts are generally positioned at high vantage points over vast portions of wilderness. The seclusion and hight generally give you the best point to take in the landscape.
Today, some in the Pacific Northwest are still used during the dry seasons for their original purpose. Others have been turned into outdoorsy tourist attractions. And some are both, offering a source of income for the forest service during the winter when people book out the cabins. Some fire lookout towers have been renovated to meet the luxurious expectations brought on by the glamping craze, while others look the exact same way as they did when they were built.
