Diamond Butte Lookout

We last stayed May 2021 for 2 nights (See Review) but got to enjoy 3 nights this time. Not much has changed and it was great as usual! We think this it in the top 3 of all cabins and lookouts we have rented out of 36 so far.

The gate to the stairs is broken so you can't fasten like before. We did leave a couple pieces of wire to secure it from the angle support at the top. We didn't have a single visitor over 3 days though which is always surprising as fire lookouts get a lot of attention. This being in December and so remote we didn't expect company.

One thing we did notice is that there used to be puzzles, books, crayons and the like but they were all gone.

We did not use the wagon but the tires were about flat. Bring an air pump if you need to use.

The wind was so STRONG the first couple of days that the lookout actually shook for a second here and there. It also broke our kite which we always bring as the winds are great for that.

No mice.

If you are a light sleeper make sure to bring ear plugs like we carry as the propane heater cutting on and then popping is it cools down can be distracting.

We got to enjoy an 18 wheeler cattle truck coming down Sonnette Road. The headlights shining from the ridge and then the trailer with all the lights passing by was great. With so few vehicles is seemed like a parade vehicle or hay ride.

If anybody wants to donate a broom or two that would be great. The one at the lookout has a broken off top. The other could be left in the vault toilet to keep it nice.

Thanks to the person who left the flashing LED foam tubes. They were interesting although the batteries were near dead.

Word of caution! This time we came down 212 to Otter Creek Road to Taylor Creek Road to get here. Each way we ended getting flat tires from rocks. We weren't driving fast and drove even slower on the way out. Not sure what the deal was but we'll stick with Sonnette Road off 212 in the future.

We miss the lookout already!

The pictures on Recreation.gov do not do it justice. Absolutely beautiful views for miles in every direction. The tower is equipped with just about everything you would need, propane stove, refrigerator and lights, if it had running water and electricity i don't think you could get me to leave. Despite being 16ish miles down a dirt road in the middle of a National Forest you also get amazing cell reception around the tower.

The pictures on Recreation.gov do not do it justice. Absolutely beautiful views for miles in every direction. The tower is equipped with just about everything you would need, propane stove, refrigerator and lights, if it had running water and electricity i don't think you could get me to leave. Despite being 16ish miles down a dirt road in the middle of a National Forest you also get amazing cell reception around the tower.

Good place. Heater worked wonders. Stove worked. Fridge worked. Car got stuck in mid-shin deep snow at the first hill and had to hike 0.5 mi in from turn onto road

Good place. Heater worked wonders. Stove worked. Fridge worked. Car got stuck in mid-shin deep snow at the first hill and had to hike 0.5 mi in from turn onto road

Incredible place to stay. So much to see during the day, and the stars are amazing during the night!

Incredible place to stay. So much to see during the day, and the stars are amazing during the night!

We had a wonderful time at the lookout. Everything was as advertised, we have another trip planed for Granit Butte lookout very soon.

We had a wonderful time at the lookout. Everything was as advertised, we have another trip planed for Granit Butte lookout very soon.

Nice place to spend Christmas. We had some snow and lows in the teens with gusty winds at times, but also some clear skies during the day and night. The propane heater is great - we kept it set to 1 (out of 5 total) and stayed toasty warm.