Pickett Butte Lookout

The numbers that decide it

Site-level detail from Recreation.gov, checked 2026-08-05. Where a field says “not published”, the agency has not published it — it does not mean zero. See it on Recreation.gov

Pickett Butte Lookout

In 1898, homesteader William T. Pickett rode in to this area on horseback and decided to stay and build a life. Perched atop the butte named after him, the Pickett Butte Lookout offers a view of the entire Jackson Creek Drainage and much of the lower elevation lands around the town of Tiller. The Rogue-Umpqua Divide, south and east of Pickett Butte, has scenic peak landmarks, which are capped with snow until early summer. The 12’ x 12’ one-room lookout is furnished with a single bed, and a small table and chair, and is equipped with a propane heater, lanterns, cooking stove with oven and a refrigerator (propane is provided). A vault toilet is located at the lookout site. There is a pulley system available to transport items from the ground to the lookout (use at your own risk). There is no water at the site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. Potable water is available at a spigot in front of the Tiller Ranger Station office. Renters are responsible for cleaning interior surfaces upon arrival and departure. The Forest Service will provide cleaning supplies but cannot guarantee their availability in the case that they have been used or taken by previous occupants. Renters are advised to bring extra cleaning supplies. • Availability: The tower is available for reservations October 1st through July 15th (lookout is utilized for fire season during the summer months). • Price & Capacity: $40 per night per group, with a maximum of four occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout. • Reservations: Pickett Butte is open for reservations every day of the week. Reservations must be made at least two days in advance. The maximum-length stay is three consecutive nights. Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov History The original lookout tower was 25 feet tall and built in 1934.The tower was replaced with the current flat top structure on a forty foot tower in 1948.

Before you go

Scenic drives that pass close

• Myrtle Creek-Canyonville2 mi
• Rogue-Umpqua18 mi
• Cow Creek24 mi