Timber Butte Cabin
Timber Butte Lookout is located in the Fall Creek area of the Willamette National Forest at an elevation of 3,650 feet 19 miles from Lowell, Oregon. The cabin is open from mid-April through late October, offering the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities. The lookout was constructed in 2005 as a replica of the L-4 gabled-style lookout with wooden catwalk commonly built in this region in the 1930s. It was built through volunteer efforts with a $10,000 grant from Lane County and other contributions by individuals and organizations. The cabin can be accessed by car, but guests should expect to walk about 300 feet uphill from their parking spot. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
The 14x14-ft. cabin is encircled by a catwalk. It sits slightly off the ground and is accessed by a ramp. The cabin accommodates 4 people and contains a double bed with sleeping pad, a propane heating stove, fire extinguisher, broom and dustpan. A 3-burner propane cook top is located on the deck. Propane is provided. Dishes and cookware are available. A picnic table and fire ring are located in a nearby group of trees, and a vault toilet is located about 300 feet away. No drinking water or electricity is provided. Guests must bring their own supply of drinking water. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
Need to Know
All guests are responsible for sanitizing the cabin before and after use. The cabin will have a resting period between guests of at least 24 hours. Guests are expected to bring their own sanitization supplies, none will be provided.
THE HEATING STOVE INSIDE THE CABIN IS A PROPANE GAS STOVE, ATTEMPTING TO BURN FIREWOOD INSIDE THE STOVE WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY, EXPLOSION OR WORSE, ABSOLUTELY NO BURNING FIREWOOD IN STOVE!
- No drinking water is available at the cabin
- Entry to the cabin is by combination lock; guests must contact the Middle Fork Ranger District Office (541) 782-2283 at least several days prior to arrival for the combination. Call for the combination weekdays only; the site administrator is not available on weekends. It is very important that you relock the gate behind you after passing through to prohibit others from interrupting your stay.
- During periods of severe fire danger, open campfires may be prohibited
- There is no tent, trailer or RV camping at the site
- Guests must bring their own trash bags and pack out all trash
- Guests must clean out the cabin before departure
- Pets are not allowed
- Smoking is not permitted
- Guests should contact the Ranger District prior to arriving to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire, road closures or weather, that may affect their visit
- Learn more about the Willamette National Forest
- 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.
Natural Features
The lookout offers panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the surrounding evergreen forest. On clear days, guests may see Mount Jefferson and the peaks of the Three Sisters. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagles, black tail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
Guests can explore up to 20 historic covered bridges in nearby Lane County by car. Within 10 miles there is creek access, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
Recreation
The lookout is located near the Fall Creek Trail Area. Several hiking trails can be accessed from this area, including the Fall Creek National Recreation Trail, which also offers opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Swimming holes can also be found along this trail.
Hunting is another popular activity in this area.
Contact Information
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46375 Highway 58 Westfir OR 97492
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-782-2283
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Total mileage from Lowell to Timber Butte Cabin is 17.4 miles. From Interstate 5 (I-5), take Highway 58 East (Exit 188) and travel for 13 miles toward Oakridge. Turn left off of Highway 58 at the Lowell covered bridge (milepost 13) and proceed toward the town of Lowell. After 0.7 miles, at the 4-way junction in Lowell, turn left onto Boundary Road. In 0.1 miles take the next right (Moss Street) for 1.7 miles to the crossroads of Unity, where you'll see another covered bridge. Turn right (east) onto Big Fall Creek Road (18) and proceed 0.4 miles to the next right turn (Winberry Creek Road). You will be on this road for 8.5 total miles. After 4.2 miles the road appears to come to a T intersection, but bearing to the right will keep you on Winberry Creek Road. After an additional 1.2 miles you will cross a small cattleguard. In another 3.1 miles it appears that the road reaches a four way intersection, but you should continue straight to stay on the same road. From this point forward, all turns should be marked with a white "TB" sign that has an arrow pointing in the correct direction, but these signs can get damaged so plan on refering to them but not relying on them. Drive 3.7 miles further on the 1802 before taking a left onto the 1821. You will be on the 1821 for a total of 1.5 miles. The signage for this turn can be hidden in shadows due to how brushy the road edge can get, so be on the lookout. In 0.2 miles the 1821 bears to the right, then in 1 mile it bears to the left. In 0.2 miles the road appears to T and you should again turn left onto the 1821-168 spur. Take the next right after driving 0.9 miles onto the 1816-175 spur, then after 50 yards the next left will be the 1816-131 (gated entrance road to the cabin).
The first mile of the 1802 and last mile of the 1816-131 are brushy and road conditions make a high clearance vehicle necessary. Look for the signs that say TB, the arrows will direct you to the cabin. GPS navigation cannot be relied on. If you need help with directions, call or visit the Middle Fork Ranger Station before starting your trip and we will be happy to assist you.
Cabin parking is located about 1 mile up FSR 1816-131, adjacent to the outhouse.
