FALL MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT CABIN

About FALL MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT CABIN

Overview Fall Mountain Lookout Tower is situated about 20 miles from John Day, in central Oregon. It provides 360-degree views of the surrounding Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, as well as the towns of Seneca and Mt. Vernon. The lookout offers access to a variety of recreational activities. In addition to sightseeing, visitors to the area enjoy hunting, hiking and viewing wildlife. The lookout can accommodate just two people and provides few amenities. It can be accessed by vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring many of their own supplies. Recreation Recreational options include wildlife viewing, huckleberry picking, star gazing and hiking the area around the lookout. There is a multiple-use trailhead south of the tower, at Starr Springs. Designated hiking trails into the wilderness are located 30 minutes from the lookout tower by vehicle.Facilities The one-room, 14-by-14 cabin sits atop an 18-foot tower and sleeps two. The cabin is furnished with a futon bed and a table and chairs. It has electricity and in the kitchen area, an electric stove and refrigerator. The kitchen also contains pots, pans, dishes and tableware. A catwalk encircles the structure, allowing for unobstructed views of the surrounding area. A vault toilet is located near the base of the tower. There is no water available on site. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing, as well as sleeping bags/bedding, a flashlight or lantern for emergencies, first aid kit, towels, garbage bags, toilet paper and dish soap.Natural Features The tower was built in 1933 and sits at an elevation of 5,949 feet. Before satellite surveillance systems, lookout personnel monitored the forest from this 18-foot perch for signs of smoke, alerting fire guards when necessary. Today guests can watch the sun rise and set, spot wildlife from the catwalk and witness dramatic thunderstorms that traverse the territory during summer months. Contact Info

How to Get There

[CAUTION! Google maps may direct you to Luce Creek Road/County Road 76. This road does not provide access to Fall Mountain Lookout - it becomes a private road with an impassible, locked gate.] From John Day, travel approximately 15.5 miles south on Highway 395. Turn right onto Forest Service Road 4920. Follow Forest Service Road 4920 approximately 5 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 607 and continue approximately 1 mile to the lookout.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to FALL MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT CABIN

Heading to FALL MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT CABIN? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)