Warner Mountain Lookout

Current Conditions

For current conditions, please contact the local ranger station.

Warner Mountain Lookout is the winter wonderland destination for avid winter sports enthusiasts looking for a challenge. This replica of an old cupola-style lookout sits on a high vantage point of Warner Ridge at an altitude of 5,300 feet approximately 75 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon. The lookout towers over forest cover of noble fir, mountain hemlock and silver fir at the crest of Warner Mountain. The lookout is close to Middle Fork Willamette River - Moon Point Trail Area, with a diverse habitat ranging from meadows to rocky cliffs and dotted with high-elevation conifers.

Know Before You Go

Experience in cross-country skiing or snowshoe travel is highly recommended; renters should plan an entire day of travel to reach the lookout.
Be prepared for extreme winter weather conditions; guests should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills.
Carry adequate clothing, food, water and equipment.
There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Cabin access is on steep, narrow metal gripping stairs up the 41 foot tower.
Guests should come prepared for driving in winter conditions and carry tire chains and a shovel; this is a high wind and storm area.
A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Guests must pack out all trash and clean the cabin before departure.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

General Information

Cabin Amenities

Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and starry skies on clear nights.

The 14x14-ft. cabin sits atop a 40-foot tower and is surrounded by a catwalk. The cabin accommodates 4 people and is furnished with one double bed that comfortably sleeps two, a table and chairs, propane stoves for heating and cooking, cookware, dishes, broom, and a 2-way radio for emergency use.

There is an outhouse nearby. No water is provided. Guests typically melt snow for their supply of water for drinking, cooking and washing. A large pot is provided for this purpose.

Items such as bedding, extra mattresses, flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not reliably available.

November - May

Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.

4 people maximum per stay
No open flames, including candles, are permitted
Smoking is not permitted
Pets are not allowed
Overnight stays are by reservation only. Walk-ins are not allowed.

Overnight Use:
$85 per night

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 43.54414

Longitude: -122.36461

Directions

From Oakridge, continue on Highway 58 about 1 to 1.5 miles east of Oakridge. Turn right towards Hills Creek Reservoir on Kitson Springs Road and proceed 0.2 mile to Forest Service Road (FSR) 21. Turn right and follow double lane FSR 21 south and southeast for approximately 18 miles. Turn left on gravel FSR 2129. Proceed on 2129 for 8 miles to Spur 439. (You may encounter snow before you reach 439). Turn right at this junction; follow this road for 4 miles to the 342 spur on the left. This is the road to the lookout. The road is gated. Lookout signs along FSR 21 and FSR 2129 will help identify the routes. Orange poles identify the final route through a meadow to the lookout.

Travel Considerations

This is a very remote location, the road to the lookout is not plowed or maintained for winter travel. The lookout can only be accessed by skis, snowmobiles, or snowshoes, a distance of 2-10 miles depending on snow levels. Conditions on the mountain change rapidly. You need to be evaluating conditions and weather throughout your stay. Sudden storms and high winds may make skiing and driving conditions difficult. Experience in cross-country skiing or snowshoe travel is highly recommended.

Parking

The roads are not maintained for winter conditions. Weather can change rapidly. Guests are advised to park at an elevation low enough to avoid the impact of heavy snowfall. This will be at least 2 miles and up to 10 miles from the cabin.

If a low-elevation storm is predicted at the time of arrival, be sure to park vehicle facing downhill before reaching the snow zone. It is the responsibility of cabin guests to arrange for towing if their vehicle gets stuck in snow.