Oregon Butte Lookout
US 144, WA 18

Lookout Details

Registry Numbers US 144, WA 18 (view other lookouts in United States, Washington)
Date Registered January 15, 1996
Nominated by Ray Kresek, Washington Registrar
Location Umatilla National Forest
Columbia County, Washington
Coordinates N 46° 06.569' W 117° 40.752' (view using Google Maps)
N 46° 06' 34" W 117° 40' 45"
N 46.109475° W 117.679203°
Elevation 6,387 ft (1,947 m)
Administered by U.S. Forest Service
Cooperators Pomeroy Ranger District

Description

At one time there were 200 gable-roof L-4 lookouts throughout the Northwest (pre-1933), and now fewer than 15 remain. Built in 1931, Oregon Butte Lookout on the Umatilla National Forest in southeastern Washington is one of them. Accessible only by trail, it is located within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness and was in active status until 1972. In 1980 the structure was restored and has since been regularly staffed.

Map

Change Basemap

Photos

Visit Reports

August 28, 2006: Richard Bessey

Condition

Needs paint? No Response
Shutters OK? Yes
Condition of wood OK? Yes
Stairs OK? Yes
Glass intact? Yes
Good condition? Yes
Comments: Looks in good shape, no problems, in pretty remarkable shape

Electronics and Enroachments

Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? No
Comments: This is a great lookout 3 miles deep into the wilderness. Excellent shape!
Other enroachments? A tree may need to be cleared right next to the tower

Access and Signs

NHLR sign posted? Yes
Directions to tower signed? No
Comments? If you didn't know how to get there, you wouldn't find it. No signs anywhere telling you where it is, its up to you to dig up the maps and find it.

Staffing

Staffed? Yes
Staffed by paid staff I believe, I didn't ask.

Opportunities for Volunteer Support

Volunteers staffing opportunities? No Response
Volunteer maintenance opportunities? Yes
There are always things that need fixed, but this is in pretty good shape