Gold Butte Lookout
Gold Butte Lookout sits on the summit of Gold Butte at an elevation of 4,618 feet in the Willamette National Forest. It was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. During World War II, the lookout served as part of Aircraft Warning System Station in defense of the nation against air attack. It was staffed around the clock, usually by a husband and wife team, who reported all passing aircraft within sight or sound to a central filter center.
Guests at the lookout can enjoy panoramic views of the Cascade Range, including nearby Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Hood, the Three Sisters and Bull of the Woods Wilderness Area.
In addition to relaxing and taking in the incredible views from Gold Butte, guests can venture out and experience other recreation opportunities nearby. Canoeing and fishing is possible on the peaceful Elk Lake. Day hiking is a popular pastime in the adjacent Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wilderness Areas or nearby Mt. Jefferson Wilderness.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereGeneral Information
In addition to relaxing and taking in the incredible views from Gold Butte, venture out and experience other recreation opportunities nearby. Nature abounds with wildflowers, wildlife and wild huckleberries.
July - October
Open 24 hours/day
- Day visitors, please stay on the Gold Butte Lookout Trail.
- If the rental is occupied, please respect the privacy of the occupants and do not approach the lookout.
- Check in time is 2:00 p.m. Check out time is 11:00 a.m.
- 4 people maximum.
- No tents or trailers.
- No smoking allowed.
- Pets are allowed.
Overnight Use:
$80 per night
Within developed recreation sites, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 36 CFR 261.16(j)
Address: 44125 North Santiam Highway SE Detroit, OR 97342
Phone: (503) 854-3366
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.mf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 44.8052
Longitude: -122.0837
Elevation
4,618 feet
Directions
From Detroit Ranger Station, drive east on Highway 22 toward the town of Detroit. Directly after crossing the bridge, take a left onto Forest Service Road (FSR) 46 (Breitenbush Road). 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.
Travel Considerations
Gold Butte Lookout is mostly accessible by vehicle, but guests should be prepared to walk the last half mile on difficult and steep terrain to reach the lookout. The last 2 miles of road access are rough gravel and dirt at a 10 percent uphill grade. Low clearance vehicles are not recommended.
Parking
Prepare to park at the entrance gate and walk a half mile to the lookout.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Pit toilet is available on site near rental.Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
No hitching posts are available.
