Gold Butte Lookout

Star0
5 reviews
HC73 BOX 320, Mill City, OR 97360, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

4,618 ft

Price

$80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Typically open from ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Sand Mountain Society site

Official Website
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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
Gold Butte Lookout
$80.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate for the lookout cabin is $80. Additional fees may apply for reservations ($8-$9 depending on method used).
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
503-854-3366
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"Overall, user reviews highlight the challenging hike and the rewarding views from the lookout. Positive sentiments focus on the natural beauty and historical significance, while some users mention the lack of nearby activities and the difficulty of access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

HC73 BOX 320, Mill City, OR 97360, USA

Gold Butte Lookout

HC73 BOX 320, Mill City, OR 97360, USA

Driving directionsFrom Detroit Ranger Station, drive east on State Highway 22 toward the town of Detroit. Directly after crossing the bridge, take a left onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 46 (Breitenbush). Drive FSR 46 for about 4 miles to FSR 4696. Turn left (northeast) onto FSR 4696 and drive about three-quarters of a mile to FSR 4697. Turn left (north) onto FSR 4697 and drive about 5 miles to the saddle. Turn right onto FSR 451 and proceed to the first right (FSR 453). Proceed through the gate approximately half a mile to the parking area at the second green gate. The lookout is located approximately half a mile from the parking area.
The last 2 miles of road access are rough gravel and dirt at a 10 percent uphill grade. Low clearance vehicles are not recommended. Guests will need to hike the last half mile on difficult and steep terrain to reach the lookout.
Nearby places
Detroit is approximately 9 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can likely be found in nearby Detroit, including groceries and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Butte Lookout

Summer brings bluebird days perfect for mountain adventures, with crisp, cool air that offers sweet relief from valley heat. Morning mists often dance through the valleys below before burning off to reveal crystal-clear mountain vistas. As autumn arrives, the first dusting of snow crowns distant peaks while golden larches light up the hillsides. Winter transforms this high-elevation retreat into a snow-locked wonderland, forcing seasonal closure but ensuring the lookout's pristine solitude when spring returns.

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

Summer 'bluebird days' ideal; described as peak season with best access and views.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid‑October; fall offers cooler weather and scenery though season shortens.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Typically open from early July; limited spring access and road closures likely.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter access is limited by snow and gate closures; site generally closed in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 26th - October 15th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Typically open from early July through mid-October.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures during winter months and potentially high predator activity noted in reviews.

About Gold Butte Lookout

Perched atop Gold Butte's windswept summit, this meticulously restored 1934 fire lookout invites you to step back in time while gazing across an endless sea of Cascade peaks. Wake to sunrise painting the mountains gold, spend afternoons watching elk graze in distant meadows, and fall asleep to the whisper of wind through ancient firs. This historic Civilian Conservation Corps gem combines rustic mountain charm with jaw-dropping 360-degree views that stretch from volcanic peaks to verdant valleys below.
Gold Butte Lookout offers a unique stay in a historic cabin rather than typical tent or RV campsites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is typically 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is typically 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of up to 4 consecutive nights per visit and a total of 14 nights within 60 days.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Butte Lookout offers activities centered on outdoor and wilderness exploration. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade Range, relax at Elk Lake, or hike in nearby wilderness areas. Wildlife viewing and berry picking are seasonal highlights.
HikingHiking is popular in adjacent wilderness areas such as Bull of the Woods, Opal Creek, and Mt. Jefferson. Guests must hike half a mile on steep terrain to reach the lookout.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Elk Lake, offering a peaceful setting for anglers.
BoatingGuests can enjoy canoeing at Elk Lake, a tranquil spot nearby.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to Roosevelt elk, black bears, bobcats, bald eagles, and blacktail deer, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep terrain and potential encounters with wildlife such as bears. The drive requires a high clearance vehicle.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures during winter months and potentially high predator activity noted in reviews.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Gold Butte Lookout

Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Gold Butte Lookout has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the challenging hike and the rewarding views from the lookout. Positive sentiments focus on the natural beauty and historical significance, while some users mention the lack of nearby activities and the difficulty of access.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the scenic views, peaceful environment, and historical cabin. Seasonal berry picking and wildlife observation were also praised.
Based on 5 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included the strenuous hike to reach the site, lack of water, and remote location. Some users noted cabin fever due to its isolated nature.
Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing ample water and supplies, a protective layer for sleeping on cots, and preparation for steep terrain. Chains for vehicles during winter months are also suggested.
Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are ideal for enjoying the panoramic views and hiking opportunities. Winter accessibility is limited due to gate closures and snowy conditions.
Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely, clean, peaceful space! Can't wait to go back!" - Hannah H. "Not for beginners to intermediate climbers. Bring lots of h2o cause this is no joke." - Th3 D3vil "It felt like a lot more than a...
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Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site reviews for individual areas or campsites are provided beyond general impressions of the cabin.
Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews regarding pet policies or experiences are mentioned.
Based on 5 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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