Gold Butte Lookout

It felt like a lot more than a little over a mile BUT once you got to the top it was well worth it! So many kind people left supplies for us and it was a lovely experience! Did get some bites from sleeping on the cot mattress without laying down a protective layer first, but that's camping! There was also cell service at the top which was a surprise.
Lovely, clean, peaceful space! Can't wait to go back!

It felt like a lot more than a little over a mile BUT once you got to the top it was well worth it! So many kind people left supplies for us and it was a lovely experience! Did get some bites from sleeping on the cot mattress without laying down a protective layer first, but that's camping! There was also cell service at the top which was a surprise.
Lovely, clean, peaceful space! Can't wait to go back!

Beautiful scenery and gorgeous views

Beautiful scenery and gorgeous views

The lookout is in great shape. Bare bones but hard to beat how remote it is. The last three miles of road are very rough and rocky. 5 mph max in some sections. From the parking spot the hike in is close to a mile not the .5 mi listed. Not hard but a steady climb.

The lookout is in great shape. Bare bones but hard to beat how remote it is. The last three miles of road are very rough and rocky. 5 mph max in some sections. From the parking spot the hike in is close to a mile not the .5 mi listed. Not hard but a steady climb.

One of the best maintained lookouts in Oregon, but like all it needs constant work. The views to east are very nice along with the new twin mattress. Not that there is not a lock on the lookout door and the hike is closer to 0.8 mi from the second gate with decent amount of elevation gain
starting at a fair amount of elevation. Pack for backpacking!

One of the best maintained lookouts in Oregon, but like all it needs constant work. The views to east are very nice along with the new twin mattress. Not that there is not a lock on the lookout door and the hike is closer to 0.8 mi from the second gate with decent amount of elevation gain
starting at a fair amount of elevation. Pack for backpacking!

Road up is a bit bumpy but not terrible with high clearance. The hike up was brutal even though it’s short. Not sure if the second gate is supposed to open or not but we couldn’t unlock it so we had to hike from there which was an extra 0.6 mi making it 1 mi hike total. Beautiful views on the way up and even more beautiful views when you get to the lookout tower. There are cots available under the bed (we didn’t know so we brought one), stove with propane, toilet paper, sanitizer, lots of games, binoculars, a lighter and some plates/silverware. Lookout is in great condition and cools down once you open the windows even though there’s not much of a breeze. We did find one tick in the cabin. Bathroom is a steep walk down from the lookout but in very good, clean condition. Elk lake is about 2.5 mi from the gate so we went there for the day. Enjoyed a gorgeous sunset both nights before the stars came out. No wildlife spotting besides a bunny. Would definitely stay Here again! Pack as if you are backpacking since the hike is so steep, you definitely wouldnt Want to have to go back to the car to get supplies

Everything was perfect. The gravel road gets pretty rough but only for a short period, I recommend going extremely slow over that section. The gate code worked, hike up was a little longer than .5 and it was steep but well worth it. The lookout and bathroom were clean and well cared and I hope it continues to stay that way for many years to come.