Timber Butte Lookout is located in the Fall Creek area of the Willamette National Forest at an elevation of 3.7 ft 19 mi from Lowell, Oregon. The cabin is open
from mid-April through late October, offering the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities.
The lookout was constructed in 2005 as a replica of the L-4 gabled-style lookout with wooden catwalk commonly built in this region in the 1930s. It was built through
volunteer efforts with a $10,000 grant from Lane County and other contributions by individuals and organizations.
The cabin can be accessed by car, but guests should expect to walk about 300 ft uphill from their parking spot. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Year-round
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Timber Butte Cabin offers a cozy, secluded retreat with beautiful surroundings, including stunning sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests appreciated the outdoor cook stove, fire pit, and clean environment. However, there were several maintenance issues, such as a malfunctioning gate lock and stove, as well as some cleanliness concerns inside the cabin.
The timber butte cabin is secluded and has an amazing view. You really need a high clearance vehicle to get up there. The last part of the road is steep. Try to pack lightish. The hike up to the actual cabin is 300 ft up hill.
Things to bring:
1. AA batteries as the heater will not work without them
2. Water
We hiked on the alpine trail about 20 minutes from there and it was rad
Ranger called us and was very helpful! She was able to update the directions on this site.
Beautiful cabin! But suggested directions are wrong.
-Then the road turns into FSR 1802, continue up approx. 4 mi. Turn left onto FSR 1821-
1802 to 1821 is more than 4 mi in its 7! Also making it confusing, there is a left-hand turn at 4 mi. Labeled FSR 164. But this is a dead in road with a down tree.
We drove home and came back the next day using these directions. They were great, and the road was much better for travel.
Total mileage from Lowell to Timber Butte Cabin is 19 mi.
From Interstate 5 (I-5), take Highway 58 East (Exit 188) and travel for 13 mi toward Oakridge. Turn left off of Highway 58 at the Lowell covered bridge and proceed toward the town of Lowell. At the 4-way junction in Lowell, turn left onto Boundary Road. Take the next right (Moss Street) for 2 mi to the crossroads of Unity, where you’ll see another covered bridge. Turn right (east) onto Big Fall Creek Road (18) and proceed to MP 13 and turn right onto Forest Service Road 1821, continue up approx. 4 mi. Turn right onto FSR 1821-168 and proceed 1 mi. Turn right onto FSR 1816-175 and after 100 yards turn left onto FSR 1816-131 (gated entrance road to the cabin).
Total mileage from Lowell to Timber Butte Cabin is 17.4 mi. From Interstate 5 (I-5), take Highway 58 East (Exit 188) and travel for 13 mi toward Oakridge. Turn left off of Highway 58 at the Lowell covered bridge (milepost 13) and proceed toward th...
Total mileage from Lowell to Timber Butte Cabin is 17.4 mi. From Interstate 5 (I-5), take Highway 58 East (Exit 188) and travel for 13 mi toward Oakridge. Turn left off of Highway 58 at the Lowell covered bridge (milepost 13) and proceed toward the town of Lowell. After 0.7 mi, at the 4-way junction in Lowell, turn left onto Boundary Road. In 0.1 mi take the next right (Moss Street) for 1.7 mi to the crossroads of Unity, where you'll see another covered bridge. Turn right (east) onto Big Fall Creek Road (18) and proceed 0.4 mi to the next right turn (Winberry Creek Road). You will be on this road for 8.5 total miles. After 4.2 mi the road appears to come to a T intersection, but bearing to the right will keep you on Winberry Creek Road. After an additional 1.2 mi you will cross a small cattleguard. In another 3.1 mi it appears that the road reaches a four way intersection, but you should continue straight to stay on the same road. From this point forward, all turns should be marked with a white "TB" sign that has an arrow pointing in the correct direction, but these signs can get damaged so plan on refering to them but not relying on them. Drive 3.7 mi further on the 1802 before taking a left onto the 1821. You will be on the 1821 for a total of 1.5 mi. The signage for this turn can be hidden in shadows due to how brushy the road edge can get, so be on the lookout. In 0.2 mi the 1821 bears to the right, then in 1 mi it bears to the left. In 0.2 mi the road appears to T and you should again turn left onto the 1821-168 spur. Take the next right after driving 0.9 mi onto the 1816-175 spur, then after 50 yards the next left will be the 1816-131 (gated entrance road to the cabin).
The first mile of the 1802 and last mile of the 1816-131 are brushy and road conditions make a high clearance vehicle necessary. Look for the signs that say TB, the arrows will direct you to the cabin. GPS navigation cannot be relied on. If you need help with directions, call or visit the Middle Fork Ranger Station before starting your trip and we will be happy to assist you.
Cabin parking is located about 1 mi up FSR 1816-131, adjacent to the outhouse.
Timber Butte Cabin is accessible from Interstate 5 (I-5) via Highway 58 East, approximately 13 miles from the exit. The cabin is located off of several forest roads that branch from these major highways.
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
12PM
Check out time
11AM
General
THE HEATING STOVE INSIDE THE CABIN IS A PROPANE GAS STOVE, ATTEMPTING TO BURN FIREWOOD INSIDE THE STOVE WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY, EXPLOSION OR WORSE, ABSOLUTELY NO BURNING FIREWOOD IN STOVE!
No drinking water is available at the cabin
Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; guests must contact the Middle Fork Ranger District Office (541) 782-2283 at least several days prior to arrival for the combination. Call for the combination weekdays only; the site administrator is not available on weekends. It is very important that you relock the gate behind you after passing through to prohibit others from interrupting your stay.
During periods of severe fire danger, open campfires may be prohibited
There is no tent, trailer or RV camping at the site
Guests must bring their own trash bags and pack out all trash
Guests must clean out the cabin before departure
Pets are not allowed
Smoking is not permitted
Guests should contact the Ranger District prior to arriving to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire, road closures or weather, that may affect their visit
Learn more about the Willamette National Forest
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.
