Pickett Butte Lookout
In 1898, homesteader William T. Pickett rode in to this area on horseback and decided to stay and build a life. Perched atop the butte named after him, the Pickett Butte Lookout offers a view of the entire Jackson Creek Drainage and much of the lower elevation lands around the town of Tiller. The Rogue-Umpqua Divide, south and east of Pickett Butte, has scenic peak landmarks, which are capped with snow until early summer.
The 12’ x 12’ one-room lookout is furnished with a single bed, and a small table and chair, and is equipped with a propane heater, lanterns, cooking stove with oven and a refrigerator (propane is provided). A vault toilet is located at the lookout site. There is a pulley system available to transport items from the ground to the lookout (use at your own risk). There is no water at the site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. Potable water is available at a spigot in front of the Tiller Ranger Station office.
Renters are responsible for cleaning interior surfaces upon arrival and departure. The Forest Service will provide cleaning supplies but cannot guarantee their availability in the case that they have been used or taken by previous occupants. Renters are advised to bring extra cleaning supplies.
- Availability: The tower is available for reservations October 1st through July 15th (lookout is utilized for fire season during the summer months).
- Price & Capacity: $40 per night per group, with a maximum of four occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
- Reservations: Pickett Butte is open for reservations every day of the week. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. The maximum-length stay is three consecutive nights. Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov
History
The original lookout tower was 25 feet tall and built in 1934.The tower was replaced with the current flat top structure on a forty foot tower in 1948.
At a Glance
Open Season: | October 15 - June 15 |
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General Information
General Notes:- Pets are welcome
- No smoking
- Pickett Butte Lookout sits on a 40 foot tower. The railing around the structure is only three feet high; extreme caution should be taken at all times. The lookout has a heavy metal door that opens onto the catwalk. Please use caution when opening and closing this door, and keep the door closed while in the lookout. Watch children closely at all times.
- Pickett Butte is cleaned on Tuesday mornings. Cleaning will not interfere with guests.
Amenities
- Vault toilet
- Propane heat
- Cook stove
- Lights
- Refrigerator
- There is an additional area for tent camping
Directions:
From Canyonville, OR Take West 1st Street and turn onto SE 3rd St/OR-227. Continue to follow OR-227 approximately 23 miles until you reach Tiller.
From Tiller take County Road 46, South Umpqua Road, for three miles to Pickett Butte Road #3113. Follow Forest Service Road #3113 for five miles to the Forest Service Road #3113-300. Follow Forest ServiceRoad 3113-300 for two miles to Pickett Butte Lookout. The road to the lookout is not snow plowed.
Activities
Cabin Rentals
In addition to spectacular views, enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing. Bring a camera. Enjoy swimming at Three C Rock Picnic Area, about seven miles from the lookout.