Clearwater Lookout Cabin
CLEARWATER LOOKOUT CABIN
Part of Umatilla National Forest
Overview
Clearwater Lookout Cabin is a single story, wood frame structure constructed in 1935. It is tucked at the base of the Clearwater Lookout tower, a 94-foot steel tower constructed by the Civil Conservation Corps in 1933. Through the years, the tower has been used as a landmark by the public and employees of the Forest Service. The tower is no longer manned during fire season, but it is used on occasion during extreme fire conditions. The tower is closed to public access, but the rental cabin is open year-round. The cabin is located about 25 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington in the Umatilla National Forest. Access by car is from June 1 to October 31 weather permitting. In winter, access is limited to cross country skis, snowshoes or snowmobile.Facilities
The cabin is divided into a kitchen and a bedroom, and is furnished with four extra-long single beds. It is kept warm in the winter by a propane heater, and features propane lights, a cook stove and a refrigerator, as well as some cookware, dishes and utensils. However it is suggested that visitors bring their own dishes, pots, pans and utensils. There is a firepit and picnic table outside. An outhouse is located nearby.
The cabin was updated inside and out during the summer of 2023.
There is no water on-site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. Other things to bring include bedding or sleeping bags, flashlights, dish soap and other basic camping gear.
General cleaning is expected before departure. Mop, bucket, broom, and cleaning supplies provided (water is not provided). Cleaning service is not always available between guests, please leave the cabin as you would like to find it.
Natural Features
Perched at 5,600 feet elevation, Clearwater Lookout Cabin offers panoramic views of the expansive Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, from sunrise to sunset.The rugged landscape of the wilderness stretches across the northern Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. The mountain slopes are carpeted with bunchgrass, lodgepole pine and subalpine fir.
An array of wildlife, including Rocky Mountain Elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed and mule deer, black bears, cougars and coyotes may be spotted.
Recreation
Horseback riding and hiking trails can be accessed from the cabin. During spring and summer, guests can enjoy a short and scenic drive along the Tucannon River to Sunset Point. Mushroom and berry picking may also entertain guests. At night, guests enjoy gazing up at the star-filled sky.Winter brings avid snowmobilers and skiers to explore its groomed trails.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest general stores and gas stations are in Pomeroy, a 40-minute drive from the cabin.Important Notices
Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; please call the Pomeroy Ranger District at 509-843-1891- Monday-Friday 7:30-4:30 Closed weekends & holidays, one week prior to arrival for the combination to the cabin.
- No potable water at this site; guests must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing
Please bring your own garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' site. Cabin should be cleaned before departure. Mop, bucket & cleaning supplies provided.
- This is non-smoking facility. All Forest Service cabin rentals prohibit smoking
Please contact the Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire closures, road, weather or storms, etc., that may affect the quality of your stay. We will no longer authorize refunds for inaccessibility due to inclement weather conditions.
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
One dog is allowed at this facility, no other pets are permitted.
Available Activities
- WINTER SPORTS - Snowmobile Trails
- CAMPING - Camping
- HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Historic Sites
Directions
<p>From 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.<br> <br>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. Know the weather forecast before leaving as winter weather can change quickly.<br> <br>A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required to park at the Sno-Park. Permits can be purchased from any Washington State Park office.</p>
Cancellation Policy
<p>For Reservation Changes & Cancellation Fees, please see Rules & Reservation Policies.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: (509) 843-1891 MONDAY-FRIDAY 7:30-4:30 CLOSED WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS
71 WEST MAIN STPOMEROY, WA 99347
