Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

Star4.21
22 reviews
Featured in:Winter Camping

Quick Facts

4,454 ft

Price

$85/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Available during win...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service 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
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout
$85.00 - $85.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rate of $85. Fees contribute to the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
541-467-2291
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 22 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"User reviews highlight the stunning views, cozy cabin ambiance, and challenging but rewarding winter access. "Love this place so beautiful up there and if you happen to get up there on cloudless day man the view is breathtaking." However, concerns about cleanliness, maintenance, and access code issues are mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

45.1565, -121.7185

Driving directionsAccess begins at the junction of Highway 26 and Forest Service Road 42, 12 miles south of Government Camp, Oregon, at the Skyline Sno-Park. Guests must park at the Sno-Park and ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile to the facility. From the parking area, proceed on Forest Service Road 42 to the 240 spur road and continue to the lookout, approximately 3.2 miles with an elevation climb of 900 feet. It is a good path for moderate skiers and will take three-and-a-half to four hours to complete. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Barlow Ranger District.
Winter access road closures apply from 12/1 to 4/30. Access during these months requires skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling over 3.5 miles from Skyline Sno-Park. A Sno-Park permit is necessary to park.
Nearby places
Government Camp (12 miles, approximately 25-minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Local supply locations include CJ's on Highway 26, west of the intersection of Highway 26 and Forest Service Road 42.

Best Time to Camp at Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

Winter reigns supreme at Clear Lake Cabin Lookout, transforming the landscape into a crystalline wonderland that demands respect and preparation. Snow blankets the trails from late fall through spring, while storms sweep across the mountainside with little warning, bringing fresh powder and testing winds. Temperatures plunge well below freezing, creating a world where icicles frame your windows and frost paints intricate patterns on the glass. This is nature at its most dramatic—where blizzards can erase the horizon one moment, then part to reveal breathtaking alpine clarity the next. Only those prepared for extreme winter conditions should venture here, but those who do discover the raw beauty of Oregon's high country in its most magnificent season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Site is open Nov 1–May 31; summer months are outside availability.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Peak season listed Nov 1–Dec 31; late fall access often snowy but offers strong views and solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open through May 31; trails often still snow‑covered into spring, offering lingering winter scenery.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
5.0 / 5

Winter is the primary season: open Nov–May with snow sports, snowy vistas, and reviewers recommending winter stays.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: November 1 to December 31 (2025 scheduling details provided).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Available during winter months, from November 1 to May 31.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures during winter months; guests must trek 3.5 miles under harsh conditions. Lock issues reported for lookout and woodshed.

About Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

Perched atop a 40-foot tower on Clear Lake Butte, this remote cabin lookout beckons adventurers seeking true solitude in Oregon's winter wilderness. Your journey here demands commitment—a strenuous trek through snow-laden trails accessible only by snowshoe, skis, or snowmobile leads to your elevated sanctuary. Once you've conquered the ascent, you're rewarded with an off-grid retreat where panoramic vistas stretch endlessly across Mt. Hood's pristine snowscape. Days unfold with possibilities: cast a line into crystal waters, explore hidden trails, spot elusive wildlife, or carve fresh tracks through untouched powder. This winter-only escape transforms the hardy soul who seeks it into a temporary guardian of the forest, living where eagles soar.
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout is a non-electric cabin accommodation atop a 40-foot tower, providing a secluded and unique camping experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3PM
Check-out
11 AM
Stay Limit
Seven consecutive nights per visit

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging
Glamping

Activities you can enjoy

Clear Lake Cabin Lookout offers a range of winter sports activities including skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Fishing is available, though many lakes and streams may be frozen during winter. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity in this natural area.
HikingGuests can hike to the cabin in winter conditions. Trails are often snow-covered, and may require snowshoes or skins. "Hike in isn't bad on snow shoes or skins."
FishingFishing opportunities exist in nearby mountain lakes and streams, although many may be frozen during winter months.
Wildlife viewingThe surrounding area is rich with wildlife, and the elevated view provides opportunities for birding and spotting various species. "A variety of wildlife make its home in the area."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include slippery steps and catwalks, the swaying tower during winds, and proximity of indoor wood storage to the stove (user concern). Back-country travel risks such as extreme weather, frozen gear pulleys, and snow clearing for bathroom and woodshed access are noted.
Active AlertsRoad closures during winter months; guests must trek 3.5 miles under harsh conditions. Lock issues reported for lookout and woodshed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Clear Lake Cabin Lookout

Reviews

4.2
22 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the stunning views, cozy cabin ambiance, and challenging but rewarding winter access. "Love this place so beautiful up there and if you happen to get up there on cloudless day man the view is breathtaking." However, concerns about cleanliness, maintenance, and access code issues are mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests consistently praise the stunning mountain views, well-stocked firewood, and overall unique experience of staying in the lookout. "Wonderful stormy weekend up at the lookout! The cabin was...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include the lack of cleanliness upon arrival, difficulty obtaining the access code from the ranger station, and occasional interruptions by visitors. "The cabin was beautiful but very...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing plenty of bottled water, disinfecting wipes, clean sponges, and backup gear for winter travel. "Bring extra towel or something like to clean/dry up wet spots on the floor....
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits are highly recommended for the snow-covered vistas and cozy ambiance, though guests note the importance of preparedness. "Winter adventures require knowing your limitations and being...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My stay was good. However, I noticed that the inside wood storage was too close to the wood stove - the ends of wood were getting so hot that I had to move it elsewhere." "Be ready to shovel heaps...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews for the cabin highlight its cleanliness, well-stocked firewood, and stunning views, but also note issues with the access code and visitor interruptions. "Had a great time."...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Guests emphasize the physical challenge of reaching the lookout, requiring snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling, and note the importance of proper backcountry preparation. "Make sure to bring all the...
Show more
Based on 22 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Clear Lake Cabin Lookout? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Campgrounds
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout