Clearwater Lookout Cabin

3.91

19 reviews

71 WEST MAIN ST, POMEROY, WA 99347, USA

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Pomeroy Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Pomeroy Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Clearwater Lookout Cabin

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly fee for renting the Clearwater Lookout Cabin is $50. This fee does not include reservation service fees nor taxes. Discounts may apply...

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(509) 843-1891

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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 19 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are mixed, with positive comments about the cabin's rustic charm, scenic views, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, but concerns about noise, limited privacy, and occasional issues with appliances."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

71 WEST MAIN ST, POMEROY, WA 99347, USA

Clearwater Lookout Cabin

71 WEST MAIN ST, POMEROY, WA 99347, USA

Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, take 15th Street south which turns into Peola Rd and follow for 8 miles. The road then turns into Mountain Road, follow for 7.5 miles on pavement to the forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 40 for about 9 miles to Clearwater Junction. The cabin is located to the right at the base of Clearwater Lookout Tower. Guests may park right beside the cabin, but not on the concrete helipad. Automobile access to the site is from June 1 to November 1. In winter, visitors must park at the Rose Springs Sno-Park, about 1.5 miles inside the forest boundary. From this point, guests can either snowmobile or cross country ski about 6.5 miles on a beginner to intermediate-level trail.

Automobile access is seasonal (June 1 to November 1). Winter access requires parking at the Rose Springs Sno-Park and traveling 6.5 miles by snowmobile or cross-country ski.

Nearby places

Pomeroy is the nearest city, approximately a 40-minute drive (25 miles).

Nearby supplies

General stores and gas stations are available in Pomeroy, a 40-minute drive from the cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Clearwater Lookout Cabin

Each season paints the Clearwater landscape with its own dramatic palette. Summer arrives with azure skies and sun-warmed days perfect for trail exploration, while winter transforms the terrain into a snow-laden wonderland that beckons snowmobilers and cross-country skiers to glide along meticulously groomed trails. Spring and fall offer their own magic – wildflower blooms and golden larch displays respectively. While the high elevation keeps precipitation relatively light, winter storms can blanket the area in deep, powdery snow, creating a pristine playground for cold-weather enthusiasts. Pack layers year-round, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm with little warning.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers wildflowers, warm days, and trail exploration; reviews note summer popularity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn wildlife (elk bugling) and scenic mountain slopes make fall attractive to visitors.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Spring is popular for hiking and stargazing; seasonal wildflowers and wildlife viewing noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter draws snowmobilers and XC skiers, but vehicle access is limited Nov–Jun, constraining general access.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, though vehicle access is restricted between November 1 and June 1 due to snow conditions.
Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories are mentioned.

About Clearwater Lookout Cabin

Perched high in the Umatilla National Forest, the Clearwater Lookout Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. This charming 1935 wood cabin sits in the shadow of a towering 94-foot steel lookout tower, offering visitors a unique blend of rustic comfort and wilderness solitude. Year-round access means you can chase summer wildflowers or winter powder, with modern touches like propane heating, lights, a cook stove, and refrigerator making your stay comfortable. While you'll need to pack in your own water and supplies, the reward is unparalleled – sweeping panoramic views of the untamed Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness stretch endlessly before you. Whether you're lacing up hiking boots, saddling horses, firing up snowmobiles, or simply counting stars in the pristine night sky, this historic hideaway serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures.

The campground provides a rustic cabin as its primary accommodation, ideal for visitors seeking solitude and panoramic views.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time to 1935, when young men of the Civil Conservation Corps hammered together this sturdy cabin, their legacy of craftsmanship still evident in every hand-hewn beam. The imposing steel tower that stands sentinel beside it predates the cabin by two years, erected in 1933 as a vital guardian against forest fires. Though the tower's watchful human occupants have long since departed, it remains an iconic landmark – a testament to the Forest Service's dedication to protecting these wild lands. Staying here connects you to generations of fire lookouts who scanned these same horizons, their vigilance helping preserve the wilderness you see today.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints the Clearwater landscape with its own dramatic palette. Summer arrives with azure skies and sun-warmed days perfect for trail exploration, while winter transforms the terrain into a snow-laden wonderland that beckons snowmobilers and cross-country skiers to glide along meticulously groomed trails. Spring and fall offer their own magic – wildflower blooms and golden larch displays respectively. While the high elevation keeps precipitation relatively light, winter storms can blanket the area in deep, powdery snow, creating a pristine playground for cold-weather enthusiasts. Pack layers year-round, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm with little warning.

ElevationAt 5,600 feet above sea level, the Clearwater Lookout Cabin offers a true sky-high escape where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and summer temperatures provide refreshing relief from valley heat. This lofty perch puts you eye-to-eye with soaring eagles and above the morning fog that often fills the valleys below, creating an ethereal sea of clouds at sunrise.

Natural Features and SceneryThe northern Blue Mountains cradle this high-elevation sanctuary in a tapestry of bunchgrass meadows, aromatic lodgepole pine groves, and stately subalpine fir forests. This diverse ecosystem pulses with life – Rocky Mountain Elk bugle across ridgelines in autumn, while bighorn sheep navigate impossible cliffs with grace. Black bears forage for huckleberries, mountain lions prowl silently through the shadows, and coyotes sing their wild songs under starlit skies. Deer graze in alpine meadows as raptors circle overhead, and the cheerful chatter of mountain birds provides a constant soundtrack to your wilderness experience. From your cabin doorstep, the landscape unfolds in waves of ridges and valleys, each vista more breathtaking than the last.

Geological RegionNestled within the rugged embrace of the northern Blue Mountains, the cabin occupies a privileged position in the vast Umatilla National Forest. This ancient landscape tells a story written in stone and soil – volcanic origins sculpted by millennia of wind, water, and ice into the dramatic terrain you see today. The varied elevations create distinct ecological zones, from bunchgrass steppes that wave like golden seas in the wind to dense stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir that whisper secrets of the high country. This is where the Columbia Plateau meets mountain majesty, creating a unique geological crossroads that supports remarkable biodiversity.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

The stay limit is up to 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin sleeps up to 4 guests.

Groups

Null

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe cabin includes a kitchen and bedroom area with two bunk beds. An outhouse and a picnic table are located outside.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not applicable; reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyThere is a $10 cancellation fee if reservations are canceled before the check-in date. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) also forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee. Refunds are subject to site policies.

AccessibilityThe outhouse is equipped with a rail for accessibility. Entry to the cabin is through a combination lock.

Site SizeCabin sized for up to four individuals with bunk beds and room for basic camping gear.

PrivacyPrivacy appears limited due to proximity to ATV trails and public use of the outhouse. "The cabin seems to be at the confluence of several off-road vehicle trails. People are zooming by in loud ATVs or motorcycles all day." (User review by Dotty S).

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests should bring all essential supplies, including water, kitchen gear, bedding, and flashlights. Advanced winter preparation is critical due to extreme cold and potential equipment malfunctions.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Glamping

Activities you can enjoy

Available activities include hiking, horseback riding, mushroom and berry picking, stargazing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.

HikingHiking trails can be accessed from the cabin. "Our days were spent exploring the surrounding area, doing short hikes and sitting around the fire." (User review by Philip A).

BikingBiking opportunities may exist based on the terrain; "This would be a great place to bring a dirtbike." (User review by Elizabeth M).

Wildlife viewingWildlife species commonly seen include Rocky Mountain Elk, bighorn sheep, deer, black bears, cougars, coyotes, and birds such as mountain bluebirds and barn owls. "Be sure to bring your binoculars! There's a barn owl near the cabin, along with endless mountain bluebirds." (User review by Elizabeth M).

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsKey hazards include extreme winter weather conditions requiring advanced preparation, wildlife encounters, and lack of cell service in the area. Guests are advised to bring appropriate supplies and plan for emergencies.

Active Alertsaccess is limited to cross country skis, snowshoes or snowmobile. | No current alerts or advisories are mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyGuests are encouraged to source firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Campfires are allowed in the designated firepit.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services such as hospitals and police are located in Pomeroy, WA.

Trash & RecyclingGuests must bring their own garbage bags as the site is 'pack it in, pack it out.' "Please bring your own garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' site." (Authoritative source).

Water FeaturesNo water features are immediately nearby; guests must bring potable water for all needs.

Weather at Clearwater Lookout Cabin

Reviews

3.9

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Clearwater Lookout Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with positive comments about the cabin's rustic charm, scenic views, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, but concerns about noise, limited privacy, and occasional issues with appliances.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the cabin's rustic charm, panoramic views, and opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing. "Lucky enough to see a lightning storm light up the sky our last night there."...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include traffic noise from ATVs, public use of the outhouse, and limited privacy. "This area is on an ATV trail as well. During the day there was constant noise from the various...

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring additional kitchen gear, water, and other camping basics. "Bring your own kitchen gear, matches, water or pot to melt snow, lighters, blankets, matches, pillows, matches, toilet paper, and...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter attracts snowmobilers and cross-country skiers, while spring and summer are popular for hiking and stargazing. Noise levels may vary by season due to ATV traffic.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The cabin seems to be at the confluence of several off-road vehicle trails." (Dotty S), "The views were stunning; breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, cows wandering about and heard the local pack of...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specifically mention campsite 001 in the loop AREA CLEARWATER LOOKOUT CABIN. Complaints and praises often focus on the cabin's appliances and its proximity to public trails.

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

The outhouse accessibility rail is appreciated by users needing extra support. "There is a newer outhouse that is clean, and has a rail for those needing extra support." (User review by Elizabeth M).

Based on 19 reviews