Fivemile Butte Lookout

Star4.40
61 reviews
RD4430-120 TURN LEFT, DUFUR, OR, 97021, USA
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

4,627 ft

Price

$85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Barlow Ranger District Office site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Fivemile Butte Lookout
$85.00 - $85.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the Fivemile Butte Lookout is $85. Additional fees may apply for reservation changes ($10 fee) or cancellations ($10 fee, plus...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541 352-6002
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 61 reviews

8 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"Most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the cabin's unique features, stunning views of Mt. Hood, Adams, and Rainier, and the adventure of accessing the site. Complaints are minimal with occasional mentions of needing better maintenance of certain features like the pulley system or solar lights."

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Campground Map

RD4430-120 TURN LEFT, DUFUR, OR, 97021, USA

Fivemile Butte Lookout

RD4430-120 TURN LEFT, DUFUR, OR, 97021, USA

Driving directionsFrom Dufur, Oregon, travel west on Valley Road for about 18 miles to the junction of Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430, at Billy Bob Sno-Park (the road may be plowed to the Sno-Park). Turn right on Forest Service Road 4430-120, then turn left and follow to the spur road 122. There is a gate that you will have to unlock (in winter months the gate is left open), then follow the 122 road to the end. The route is approximately 3 miles and is marked with orange and blue diamond-shaped blazes. This route is not plowed, signed, or patrolled. Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430 are closed from December 1 to April 1, prohibiting motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide without a permit. During this period and depending on snow levels, visitors should park at Billy Bob Sno-Park and hike, ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile 3 miles to the lookout.
Seasonal road closures apply from December 1 to April 1 for motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide without a permit. During winter, the 3-mile route to the lookout is accessible only via hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. Summer access requires unlocking a gate with a code provided upon reservation.
Nearby places
Dufur (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Billy Bob Sno-Park (parking and trailhead access), groceries and supplies are available in Dufur, approximately 18 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Fivemile Butte Lookout

Summer unveils the lookout's full splendor, with warm days perfect for exploration and cool nights ideal for stargazing from your tower perch. Vehicle access makes arrival straightforward during these months. Come winter, the landscape transforms into a snow-swept wilderness accessible only by cross-country skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile—turning your arrival into an exhilarating backcountry journey through powder-laden forests.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Summer 'unveils the lookout's full splendor'—clear views, hiking, biking, mild nights for stargazing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers good hiking and scenic views; fewer notes than summer but still favorable.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring reviews note trails, melting access variations; good hiking and emergent greenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 5% in OR

Winter offers skiing/snowshoeing and stunning snowscapes but access can be challenging depending on snow.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Access is seasonal, depending on snow levels.

About Fivemile Butte Lookout

Perched atop a 40-foot tower on Fivemile Butte, this extraordinary lookout rental invites adventurers to sleep among the clouds in Mt. Hood National Forest. Wake to sunrise painting three volcanic peaks—Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Rainier—in alpenglow, while endless trails beckon hikers and mountain bikers through ancient forests below. When winter transforms the landscape into a pristine wonderland, the journey becomes part of the adventure as visitors arrive by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile.
The camping experience is centered around a unique restored lookout cabin atop a tower, offering a secluded and memorable stay. It is suitable for small groups or individuals.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 nights during a single visit.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Fivemile Butte Lookout offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and taking in stunning mountain views of Hood, Adams, and Rainier. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity with sightings of wild turkeys, deer, elk, and bears.
HikingHiking is a popular activity, especially along the Eightmile Trail which offers views of old growth pine forests, riparian areas, and meadows with wildflowers.
BikingMountain biking trails are available, with some users mentioning being able to bike directly from the lookout.
Wildlife viewingThe area provides opportunities for viewing wildlife such as wild turkeys, grouse, deer, elk, coyotes, and bears. The region is surrounded by forests and creeks which attract diverse fauna.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, slippery catwalks and stairs, and swaying from high winds. Winter conditions may pose safety risks for inexperienced travelers.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Fivemile Butte Lookout

Reviews

4.4
61 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Fivemile Butte Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the cabin's unique features, stunning views of Mt. Hood, Adams, and Rainier, and the adventure of accessing the site. Complaints are minimal with occasional mentions of needing better maintenance of certain features like the pulley system or solar lights.
Review Summaries
Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

The standout features include the cabin's cleanliness, restoration, and the availability of firewood. Guests appreciated the breathtaking views and the cozy atmosphere inside the cabin. Wildlife...
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Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include difficulties with the pulley system for gear, steep stairs being challenging for pets or guests, and occasional lack of stocked items like toilet paper or seasoned firewood.
Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra toilet paper, paper towels, and garbage bags. Guests also recommend packing cookware and utensils, slippers, and candles for ambiance. Several reviewers highlight the importance of...
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Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews emphasize the adventure and challenges of skiing or snowshoeing to the lookout. Spring and summer reviews focus on hiking and mountain biking activities, as well as enjoying clear...
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Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Wow! Josh (a volunteer, I think) did such a phenomenal job restoring the woodwork on the interior of the cabin. It is stunning.' - Angelique L. 'The views were amazing!' - Jen L. 'Our stay in the...
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Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews for campsite 001 praise its privacy, cleanliness, and stunning mountain views. One user noted issues with the pulley system and solar lights but overall satisfaction.
Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

The stairs pose challenges for pets and individuals with mobility issues. The site is not wheelchair accessible.
Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but steep stairs are difficult for some animals. One reviewer noted their pet was afraid of the stairs and had to be carried.
Based on 61 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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