We spent just one night in mid December at the Lookout Tower. This is an awesome experience in the winter. BE PREPARED....there is snow and it is a 3 mile trek to the lookout so definitely PLAN for it. Snowshoes are awesome...without it is like you are walking on the beach and the trek takes quite a toll on your legs! The wood stove provides PLENTY of heat and the lookout is well maintained. I prefer visiting here in the summer as you can drive right up to the tower and it just makes life so much easier....especially with kids.

We spent just one night in mid December at the Lookout Tower. This is an awesome experience in the winter. BE PREPARED....there is snow and it is a 3 mile trek to the lookout so definitely PLAN for it. Snowshoes are awesome...without it is like you are walking on the beach and the trek takes quite a toll on your legs! The wood stove provides PLENTY of heat and the lookout is well maintained. I prefer visiting here in the summer as you can drive right up to the tower and it just makes life so much easier....especially with kids.

Besides the lack of snow, we had a great time! There was plenty of chopped and dry wood in the woodshed. The pit toilet is also nicer than the Clear Lake Butte’s toilet. The pulley system is also nicer with a bigger and sturdier metal box. Make sure not to overload it because you will have trouble pulling it up yourself. We entered from Hwy 35 side then ended up hiking a total of 10 miles one way due to the snow. DO NOT follow Google Maps. Enter from the Dufur side. We were lucky to have 2 great sunny days so we got to see beautiful views of Mt Hood, Mt Saint Helens, and Mt Adams.

Besides the lack of snow, we had a great time! There was plenty of chopped and dry wood in the woodshed. The pit toilet is also nicer than the Clear Lake Butte’s toilet. The pulley system is also nicer with a bigger and sturdier metal box. Make sure not to overload it because you will have trouble pulling it up yourself. We entered from Hwy 35 side then ended up hiking a total of 10 miles one way due to the snow. DO NOT follow Google Maps. Enter from the Dufur side. We were lucky to have 2 great sunny days so we got to see beautiful views of Mt Hood, Mt Saint Helens, and Mt Adams.

The last .3 miles were not drivable due to slush (even with 4 wheel drive) - FYI. Cabin was clean and the weather was clear and sunny. I always appreciate all the supplies but please note - there is NO silverware and NO wine opener. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Everything else is there.

The last .3 miles were not drivable due to slush (even with 4 wheel drive) - FYI. Cabin was clean and the weather was clear and sunny. I always appreciate all the supplies but please note - there is NO silverware and NO wine opener. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Everything else is there.

The Billy Bob sno park and Fire tower were inaccessible due to snow. The rec.gov website claimed the road was plowed to the Sno Park. No refund was granted. I was really disappointed with this experience.

The Billy Bob sno park and Fire tower were inaccessible due to snow. The rec.gov website claimed the road was plowed to the Sno Park. No refund was granted. I was really disappointed with this experience.

Make sure to bring enough water or have a way to filter/ make clean water.

Make sure to bring enough water or have a way to filter/ make clean water.