Facility Details - WARNER MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT, OR

Overview

Warner Mountain Lookout is the winter wonderland destination for avid winter sports enthusiasts looking for a challenge. This replica of an old cupola-style lookout sits on a high vantage point of Warner Ridge at an altitude of 5,300 feet in the Willamette National Forest approximately 75 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon.

This is a very remote location. The journey to the tower can be long, up to 10 miles on foot, and risky as the wind and snow whips across the ridge. Experience in cross-country skiing or snowshoe travel is highly recommended.

The reward is worth the effort of getting there. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and starry skies on clear nights.

Natural Features:

The lookout towers over forest cover of noble fir, mountain hemlock and silver fir at the crest of Warner Mountain. The lookout is close to Middle Fork Willamette River - Moon Point Trail Area, with a diverse habitat ranging from meadows to rocky cliffs and dotted with high-elevation conifers.

Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bears, northern bald eagles, mule deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.

Recreation:

Winter recreationists can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling on the terrain in the nearby Middle Fork Willamette River - Moon Point Trail Area.

Facilities:

The 14x14-ft. cabin sits atop a 40-foot tower and is surrounded by a catwalk. The cabin accommodates 4 people and is furnished with one double bed that comfortably sleeps two, a table and chairs, propane stoves for heating and cooking, cookware, dishes, broom and a 2-way radio for emergency use.

There is an outhouse nearby.

No water or electricity is provided. Guests typically melt snow for their supply of water for drinking, cooking and washing. A large pot is provided for this purpose.

Items such as bedding, extra mattresses, flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not reliably available after mid-season. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) With Mattress Birding Broom & Dust Pan Cooking Area Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Cross Country Skiing Lantern Lookout Tower	Propane Heat Propane Stove Snowshoeing Solar Lights Star Gazing Table & Chairs Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

Experience in cross-country skiing or snowshoe travel is highly recommended; renters should plan an entire day of travel to reach the lookout
There is no water; guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing
No open flames, including candles, are permitted
Cabin access is on steep, narrow stairs up the 40-foot tower
Guests should come prepared for driving in winter conditions and carry tire chains and a shovel; this is a high wind and storm area
Guests should contact the Ranger District prior to arrival to check on any restrictions or conditions, such road closures, weather or storms, that might affect their visit
Guests must pack out all trash and clean the cabin before departure
Smoking is not permitted
Learn more about the Willamette National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
43.54343, -122.36638
43°32'36"N, 122°21'59"W

From Eugene, Oregon, take I-5 south to the exit for Highway 58 East. Drive east 34 miles on Highway 58 through Oakridge. Continue on Highway 58 about 1 to 1.5 miles east of Oakridge. Turn right towards Hills Creek Reservoir on Kitson Springs Road and proceed 0.2 mile to Forest Service Road (FSR) 21. Turn right and follow double lane FSR 21 south and southeast for approximately 18 miles. Turn left on gravel FSR 2129. Proceed on 2129 for 8 miles to Spur 439. (You may encounter snow before you reach 439).

Turn right at this junction; follow this road for 4 miles to the 342 spur on the left. This is the road to the lookout. The road is gated. Lookout signs along FSR 21 and FSR 2129 will help identify the routes. Orange poles identify the final route through a meadow to the lookout.

If a low-elevation storm is predicted at the time of arrival, be sure to park vehicle facing downhill before reaching the snow zone. It is the responsibility of cabin guests to arrange for towing if their vehicle gets stuck in snow.