Pickett Butte Lookout

Maximum capacity is four people (due to weight limits on the tower)

There is no water at the site

This site is not recommended for families with small children; the high steep tower stairway, catwalk access, and potential for inclement weather pose significant risks for injury if not careful.

The tower is secured with an overhead hatch door which may be difficult to open; please use caution when opening and closing this door, and keep the door closed while in the lookout

Entry to the lookout is by combination lock. The combination will be included in your reservation confirmation letter. To open the lock, set the combination to the correct code and squeeze the lock shut, which will allow it to then pop open. Vehicle access past the road gate is permitted with your reservation, but other users may hike from the gate to the lookout during your stay. Placing personal locks on the gate is not permitted as agency personnel may need to access the site.

Please leave the lookout cleaner than you found it. Due to the remote location of the lookout, it cannot be cleaned after every stay. Do not leave food, bottled water or cans/bottles (these can freeze and burst between guests) in the refrigerator when you leave. Do not leave food out where it can attract animals. Keep the building and grounds clean to deter squirrels, mice, rats, and bears. Please leave the refrigerator on when you leave and clean it out thoroughly.

The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility

Storms are part of the thrill of staying at a lookout, but they are also extremely dangerous. If a lightning storm should occur while you are at the lookout, please follow these rules: Stay indoors or in your car If you are trapped outside during a lightning storm, move to lower ground and stay low to the ground. Do not stand under trees or other high objects. If you are in the lookout building, close windows and doors. Turn off radios and not touch anything metal, the lookout itself is 'grounded'.

Visitors must pack out all trash. Please be respectful of other visitors, and be aware that leaving trash out can attract rodents and other animals. There is a transfer station off County Road 46 at milepost 4.5, but it is only open on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a fee of $3.00 per can (up to 35 gallons) is charged.

Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Doors and windows should be locked and all personal items removed upon departure

Please do not let pets roam freely, as they may endanger wildlife and plants

Inclement weather can occur during any time of the year, but during winter months snow storms can make the lookout unreachable by vehicle. Depending on snow-pack, the lookout can usually still be accessed with a high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive and/or tire chains, but be aware that there are times that the lookout can only be accessed by snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling up to 3 miles one-way. Refunds are generally not given for inclement weather.  

Renters are advised to bring cleaning supplies to clean interior surfaces upon arrival and departure. The Forest Service will provide cleaning supplies but cannot guarantee their availability in the case they have been used or taken by previous occupants. Renters assume responsibility for cleaning surfaces to reduce the risk of potential COVID infection. If unwilling or unable to use cleaning supplies, renters can avoid going to the rental and submit for a full refund.