Clear Lake Butte Lookout is a fire lookout you can rent on the Hood River Ranger District, near the northwest corner of Warm Springs tribal lands. The flat-roofed cab went up in 1962, replacing a 1932 lookout on a 100-foot tower. It sits atop a 40-foot tower with a catwalk and has a wood stove, propane stove and solar lighting.
The usual approach starts at Skyline Sno-Park, where Forest Road 42 meets Highway 26, then follows Road 42 and the 240 spur. In winter that’s a 3.5 mile ski, snowshoe or snowmobile trip each way with about 900 feet of climbing. There’s an outhouse and tent space, but no drinking water.
Things to do
- Wildlife viewing
- Viewing
Getting there
- Check your map to locate the normal access beginning at the junction of Hwy 26 and FS road 42, Skyline Sno-park.
- Proceed on road 42 to the 240 spur road and on to the lookout.
- The evelation climb is about 900'.
From the Forest Service
Good to know
No smoking
Pets are welcome
There is an additional space for tent camping
A sno-park permit is required to park at Skyline Sno-park
Amenities
Outhouse
Wood stove
Propane stove
Solar lighting
Warning
Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Visitors should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills. The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets. The steps and catwalk can become quite slippery due to rain, snow and ice, and the tower may sway in strong winds.
Reservations
Make a reservation for Clear Lake Butte Lookout on Recreation.gov.
Rules and restrictions
From December 1 through April 30, the lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing 3.5 miles one way from Skyline Sno-Park. (Winter gate closure.)
All fees
Overnight Use:
$85 per night
Day Use:
Sno-Park permit required Nov. 1 - Apr. 30 at Skyline Sno-Park:
$4 per day; $9 per three day; $25 per annual
Overnight use: $85/night. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
Day use: Sno-Park permit required Nov. 1 through Apr. 30 at Skyline Sno-Park.
Passes and permits
ODOT Sno-Park permit is required to park at Skyline Sno-Park.
Season details
November 1 - May 31
