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Acker Rock Lookout
Perched atop the edge of a rocky cliff in the Umpqua National Forest, Acker Rock Lookout offers visitors a unique lodging experience with spectacular panoramic views of the South Umpqua watershed in southwest Oregon. Visitors should keep in mind everything must be packed in via a moderately steep 0.4-mile hike along a forested trail.
The panorama includes landmarks on the Rogue-Umpqua Divide; on a clear day you can see mountains on the Willamette, Rogue, and Deschutes River watersheds. The rock formation on which the lookout building sits is itself a magnificent feature. Sheer cliffs drop off for several hundred feet on the west and south sides. Before the advent of airplane surveillance for fire detection, there were more than a dozen lookouts on the Tiller Ranger District. Today Acker Rock and Pickett Butte are the only remaining lookouts on the District.
The 12-foot by 12-foot, one-room lookout is furnished with a single bed with a small table and chair, and is equipped with a propane heater, lanterns, cooking stove with oven and a refrigerator (propane is provided). A composting toilet is located at the lookout site. 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. Guests must supply their own food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper, and garbage bags. Although propane lighting is available, bringing an additional light source is recommended.
- Availability: The lookout tower is generally available for reservation from August 1st thru November 15th (depending on snow). High clearance all-terrain vehicles are recommended.
- 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: Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. The maximum-length stay is seven consecutive nights. Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov
History
Acker Rock was named for Hiram L. Acker, originally from Texas, who settled at nearby Tallow Butte in 1913. The original gable roof lookout was built in 1932 and replaced with a standing flat roof in 1964.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | This area generally closes to climbing from late June through July. |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | August 1 - November 15 |
General Information
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 northeast on Douglas County road #46 which becomes South Umpqua Forest Service (FS) Road #28 for 18.5 miles to Buckeye Creek FS Road #29. Follow FS Road #29 for 7 miles to the junction with FS Road #2838. Turn left (north) onto FS Road #2838 for 1.5 miles to the FS #2838-950. Follow the FS #2838-950 for 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
The Acker Rock Trail #1585 is a .4 mile, and requires a moderate to steep hike to reach the lookout. The FS #2828-950 road is closed with a locked gate. Please check with Ranger Station to ensure the lookout is open. This site is closed to recreation use from January 1 through June 30.
General Notes:
- Avoid letting pets roam freely as they may endanger wildlife and plants
- No smoking
- All garbage and food must be packed out
Amenities
- Composting toilet
- Propane heat
- Cook stove with oven
- Propane lights
- Refrigerator
- There is an additional area for tent camping
Activities
Cabin Rentals
- In addition to spectacular views, enjoy hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and star gazing.