Timber Butte Lookout
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Hours
- Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 12:00 p.m.
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Coordinates
- 43.9256, -122.5708
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Timber Butte Lookout offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding evergreen forest. On clear days, guests may see Mount Jefferson and the peaks of the Three Sisters. The lookout was constructed in 2005 as a replica of the L-4 gabled-style lookout with wooden catwalk commonly built in this region in the 1930s. It was built through volunteer efforts with a $10,000 grant from Lane County and other contributions by individuals and organizations. The cabin can be accessed by car, but guests should expect to walk about 300 feet uphill from their parking spot. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Timber Butte Lookout free?
No. Timber Butte Lookout charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Timber Butte Lookout?
Total mileage from Lowell to Timber Butte Cabin is 19 miles. From Interstate 5 (I-5): Take Highway 58 East (Exit 188) and travel for 13 miles toward Oakridge. Turn left off of Highway 58 at the Lowell covered bridge and proceed toward the town of Lowell. At the 4-way junction in Lowell, turn left onto Boundary Road. Take the next right (Moss Street) for 2 miles to the crossroads of Unity, where you 'll see another covered bridge. Turn right (east) onto Big Fall Creek Road (18) and proceed to milepost; 13 and turn right onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 1821, continue up approx. 4 miles. Turn right onto FSR 1821-168 and proceed 1 mile. Turn right onto FSR 1816-175 and after 100 yards turn left onto FSR 1816-131 (gated entrance road to the cabin).
What are the rules at Timber Butte Lookout?
No smoking or petsThe cabin houses two comfortably. Four is the maximum occupancy.Campfires may not be permitted during periods of high fire danger.
Nearby
- Saddle Blanket Shelter3.7 mi
- Little Cowhorn Lookout8.5 mi
- Buckhead Shelter8.7 mi
- Spring Prairie Shelter19.0 mi
- Fairview Peak Lookout23.8 mi
- Box Canyon Guard Station24.5 mi
- Warner Mountain Cabin28.3 mi
- Fuji Shelter31.6 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
