Fivemile Butte Lookout is a Forest Service fire lookout on the Barlow Ranger District that you can rent for the night. Its single 14 by 14 foot room sits on a 40-foot tower wrapped by a wooden catwalk, with a small bed, wood stove, table and chair, propane cook stove and solar lights. A lookout has stood here since the 1920s, and this flat-top cab dates to 1957.
The drive starts in Dufur and heads west to Billy Bob Sno-Park. In winter, the last 3 miles or so are covered on skis, snowshoes or a snowmobile, following orange and blue diamond markers. Carry in all your water. An outhouse, firewood shed, fire ring and tent space are close by.
Getting there
From Dufur, OR
- Head west on Dufur Valley Road about 18 miles to the junction of Forest Roads (FR) 44 and 4430 at Billy Bob Sno-Park (the road may be plowed to the Sno-Park).
- Follow FR 44 to the junction of FR 4430 and turn right on to FR 4430-120, then turn left and follow to spur road 122.
- There is a gate that you will have to unlock (in winter months the gate is left open), then follow the 122 road to the end.
- The route is approximately 3 miles and is marked with orange and blue diamond-shaped blazers.
Road notes
This route is not plowed, signed or patrolled.
Forest Roads 44 & 4430 are closed to vehicles over 48 inches wide from December 1 through April 1. When the road is not accessible to the lookout, you may park at Billy Bob Sno-Park, which requires a recreation pass from November 1 through April 30.
Parking
A recreation pass is required to park at Billy Bob Sno-Park from November 1 to April 30.
From the Forest Service
Good to know
Toilet is an outhouse
There is an additional space for tent camping
Accessible via snowmobile or skiing/snowshoeing from December 1 through April 1 from Billy Bob Sno-Park.
Reservations
Visit Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 to make a reservation up to 6 months in advance.
The maximum length of stay is 7 consecutive nights with a maximum capacity of four occupants.
Rules and restrictions
No smoking
All fees
Overnight Use:
$85 per night (up to 4 people)
Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
Season details
Open year-round.
Ranger office
Barlow Ranger District
Address: 780 NE Court St Dufur, OR 97021
Phone: 541-467-5100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)