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Mt. Hood National Forest › Barlow Ranger District › Oregon
› Wasco County
› Dufur
› Fivemile Butte Lookout
› Campsite #1
Campsite #1 at Fivemile Butte Lookout, OR
$50
Cabin Site #1
| 4 people | |
| 10 | good |
5/26
7/14
Campsite #1 Features: Back-In parking, Cabin Site
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 88% |
| 4 star | | 4% |
| 3 star | | 4% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 4% |
@SeanDBFD724702 · Camped on May 7, 2025 at Campsite #1
This was our first time staying in a fire lookout, and it exceeded every expectation. The road in was clear and easy to navigate, and the last few miles offered stunning views as we approached the tower. We arrived to sunny, windy skies and settled in for our first night after a cozy dinner. The wind howled through the tower, which only added to the charmyou could feel the tower shift slightly in the gusts, which made the experience all the more memorable.The next morning, we woke early and were treated to breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. We hiked the Eight Mile Loop mid-day, which started out clear but still had several snowy patches along the way. That afternoon was slow and peaceful, filled with games, reading, resting, and soaking in the sunset.Our final morning brought warmth and sunshine streaming into the sleeping area. We lingered in bed, enjoyed breakfast, then packed up and headed out with full hearts.This was such a peaceful and fun retreat. Were incredibly grateful to the Forest Service for making it possible, and we hope others enjoy this magical place as much as we did.
@KenR7711474 · Camped on Feb 18, 2025 at Campsite #1
Overall it is a nice lookout. Lots of flies for some reason. No working lights even though the FS has been notified many times.
@Christina12039 · Camped on Jan 14, 2025 at Campsite #1
Always a great experience. Plenty of wood, well stocked, clean, simply wonderful. Guessing any car could access the Snow park until the next snow. Few spots of ice on the road but easily passable if cautious. I recommend bringing a Queen sheet set as its nice to have a bottom sheet to cover the entire mattress and the top sheet comes in handy if the wood stove is burning hot and your sleeping bag is too much. We found that micro spikes were sufficient on the frozen snow since the snowmobiles pack it down pretty well. Again, if there is another big snow (or if it warms up a lot) you might want snow shoes instead. Oh, nice to have a lightweight pair of slippers too. Have fun!
@TimothyL290617 · Camped on Dec 23, 2024 at Campsite #1
We spent just one night in mid December at the Lookout Tower. This is an awesome experience in the winter. BE PREPARED....there is snow and it is a 3 mile trek to the lookout so definitely PLAN for it. Snowshoes are awesome...without it is like you are walking on the beach and the trek takes quite a toll on your legs! The wood stove provides PLENTY of heat and the lookout is well maintained. I prefer visiting here in the summer as you can drive right up to the tower and it just makes life so much easier....especially with kids.
@KyungL1170118 · Camped on Apr 21, 2024 at Campsite #1
Besides the lack of snow, we had a great time! There was plenty of chopped and dry wood in the woodshed. The pit toilet is also nicer than the Clear Lake Buttes toilet. The pulley system is also nicer with a bigger and sturdier metal box. Make sure not to overload it because you will have trouble pulling it up yourself. We entered from Hwy 35 side then ended up hiking a total of 10 miles one way due to the snow. DO NOT follow Google Maps. Enter from the Dufur side. We were lucky to have 2 great sunny days so we got to see beautiful views of Mt Hood, Mt Saint Helens, and Mt Adams.
@lyndeet587F04D · Camped on Apr 18, 2024 at Campsite #1
The last .3 miles were not drivable due to slush (even with 4 wheel drive) - FYI. Cabin was clean and the weather was clear and sunny. I always appreciate all the supplies but please note - there is NO silverware and NO wine opener. Everything else is there.
@RachelW1142598 · Camped on Mar 8, 2024 at Campsite #1
The Billy Bob sno park and Fire tower were inaccessible due to snow. The rec.gov website claimed the road was plowed to the Sno Park. No refund was granted. I was really disappointed with this experience.
@TrevorB7711201 · Camped on Mar 2, 2024 at Campsite #1
Make sure to bring enough water or have a way to filter/ make clean water.
@MollieE901EAD5 · Camped on Feb 23, 2024 at Campsite #1
Very relaxing. Well maintained and clean with all of the needed kitchen supplies.
@GerryR660AE62C · Camped on Feb 11, 2024 at Campsite #1
Excellent winter stay!
@MichelleM70561 · Camped on Oct 3, 2023 at Campsite #1
Amazing trip! Likely one of the top 5 things ive ever done!! Sunrise, sunset and stars so bright you cant even imagine closing your eyes to sleep! :)
@Angelique62703 · Camped on Jun 10, 2023 at Campsite #1
We had an amazing trip! The lookout is in excellent condition (huge kudos to the guy who redid all of the woodwork, it looks fantastic). The new(ish) mattress is very comfortable and the lookout is well-stocked with pots/pans/plates, etc. Definitely bring water.
We had glorious weather and stunning views of Hood, Adams and Rainier. We stopped at the Barlow Sno Park on the way up to hike to Palmateer Point for a breathtaking view of Mt Hood, and had dinner at the divine Solera Brewery in Parkdale with another glorious view of the mountain. Overall a great experience. I wish the USFS hadn't increased the lookout rental price as much but it's still an otherworldly experience and worth it.
We had glorious weather and stunning views of Hood, Adams and Rainier. We stopped at the Barlow Sno Park on the way up to hike to Palmateer Point for a breathtaking view of Mt Hood, and had dinner at the divine Solera Brewery in Parkdale with another glorious view of the mountain. Overall a great experience. I wish the USFS hadn't increased the lookout rental price as much but it's still an otherworldly experience and worth it.
@JessicaA813050 · Camped on Apr 20, 2023 at Campsite #1
Always a great experience up here. As of 4/22/23: There is definitely fewer cooking utensils up here now. Basically just one chef’s knife. Would be great if someone could bring in a big spoon or spatula, old knives/forks/spoons to leave. There was plenty of tp (hasn’t always been the case) but it’s always a good idea to bring a leave a roll. Enjoy!
@SashaM9390912 · Camped on Mar 8, 2023 at Campsite #1
Awesome place!
@RegisK9620075 · Camped on Jan 24, 2023 at Campsite #1
Floor grate needs a handle on top, but that is being addressed.
@JenL9467071 · Camped on Dec 14, 2022 at Campsite #1
On Dec 14th, we snowshoed in from Billy Bob, it was exactly 3 miles from the sno-park to the lookout. The lookout was very clean and the wood was well stocked. The wood stove is really too big for the small building and we were cooked out a lot of the time. There was a couple of bowls, plates, mugs, forks and lots of pots. FYI, the wood shed was not very full and the wood marked "seasoned" will not last the rest of winter. A mouse did come visit us, and peeked in the window so beware of leaving food out/windows open. The views were amazing!
@CorinneC346310 · Camped on Nov 15, 2022 at Campsite #1
Our reservation dates were November 15-16, 2022. We got lucky with the snow and was able to drive in. It was an easy drive from the 8 mile mountain bike trailhead off of Forest Rd. 44. The gate was locked when we got there and the code for the tower worked on the gate too. The tower was really warm from the sun when we got there even though it was in the 30's outside. The gas to the propane stove had been turned off but we found the on/off valve and lit the pilot lights no problem! There are 3 pilot lights, two on the stovetop and one in the oven. There is a little vanity with a sink which is nice for doing dishes, the drain goes down a long pipe into a french drain (I'm guessing). We carried all of our gear up the stairs vs using the pulley basket. There's no angle/brake set up on the basket for leverage so it's not that easy to use. The solar light was working but the ambiance isn't very nice from it so we were glad we brought our own lantern and party lights. The bed was pretty comfy with the flannel sheets and down comforter we brought. The wood stove is big for the space and heats really well, we had to sleep with three of the windows open so we didn't overheat! There's a nice tea kettle, a few cooking pots (including a huge one for melting snow), cutting boards but no utensils. The hiking nearby is gorgeous! The 8 mile trail goes right by the cabin. So glad we didn't bring our dog though...those stairs! Especially the last flight, is super steep, he would not of been happy to go down them! We had such a lovely time, hope to go back again!
@bradp5315768 · Camped on Jun 24, 2022 at Campsite #1
Awesome!
@tomw9760406 · Camped on Jun 20, 2022 at Campsite #1
Great place and great views. Love being able to mountain bike straight from camp.
@BryonyM3717930 · Camped on Apr 21, 2022 at Campsite #1
The experience and views are what you are hoping for with this lookout! Definitely be prepared for winter conditions still, we stayed 4/22/22. The road to Billy Bob Sno-park was pretty much clear, but the snow started there. We tried both the eight mile trail and road. The trail is in sloppy shape at this point and there are better views of the mountains from the road.
@ScottD5141264 · Camped on Apr 5, 2022 at Campsite #1
Beautiful views, middling hard hike in, no running water. The rangers and (most) guests do a great job keeping this place nice.
Thank you Minah D for leaving the small pot. It worked great!
Thank you Minah D for leaving the small pot. It worked great!
@MinahD4999526 · Camped on Mar 2, 2022 at Campsite #1
DO NOT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS IN WINTER! Follow directions from Dufur. Leave it better than you found it.
I read in one of my books that you need the NW Forest Pass and I checked with the ranger and that's what they said. But at the sno park it says sno park pass. You may want to recheck with the ranger again.
There was barely enough skiable snow but it was still fun on XC skis. The lookout is well stocked with large pot for melting snow, tea kettle, pans, and I donated a small pot which I hope will stay there forever! (please don't take!) Bring your own utensils.
Recommendations: bring slippers
I read in one of my books that you need the NW Forest Pass and I checked with the ranger and that's what they said. But at the sno park it says sno park pass. You may want to recheck with the ranger again.
There was barely enough skiable snow but it was still fun on XC skis. The lookout is well stocked with large pot for melting snow, tea kettle, pans, and I donated a small pot which I hope will stay there forever! (please don't take!) Bring your own utensils.
Recommendations: bring slippers
@BrookeK7764526 · Camped on Feb 5, 2022 at Campsite #1
I absolutely love five mile butte lookout. It has a special place in my heart! It’s hard work to get there, but so worth it.
Tip: do not follow google maps in the winter. Go to Dufur and proceed from there. Any other route to billy bob snow park will take you to dead ends :)
Limited pots and pans and silverware. Hopefully this summer, someone can bring up a few more things to enhance the set up.
Tip: do not follow google maps in the winter. Go to Dufur and proceed from there. Any other route to billy bob snow park will take you to dead ends :)
Limited pots and pans and silverware. Hopefully this summer, someone can bring up a few more things to enhance the set up.
@VinceR925 · Camped on Dec 28, 2021 at Campsite #1
The lookout was in great shape and exactly as described in the recreation.gov listing.
The oven and wood stove worked well, and we had a wonderful stay!
The oven and wood stove worked well, and we had a wonderful stay!
@JoeR882 · Camped on Oct 19, 2021 at Campsite #1
You may find these driving directions (from Dufur) helpful: when you leave Dufur, the road will "Y" after 5 miles. Stay to the right. At approximately 16.4 miles, you will see the Billy Bob Sno Park on your left. The road to the cabin (4430) is directly across from this on your right. Then, in 0.6 miles, you will turn left on 120. After another 2.1 miles, turn left on 122. This last turn puts you on the long "driveway" to the cabin.
There were a couple of frying pans, 2 plates and 2 cups but we recommend bringing a pot and eating/cooking utensils. We assumed these would be up there but we were wrong. There were a few sheets of newspaper for starting the wood burning stove but I don't know if that will be re-stocked by the Forest Service so you may want to bring some paper of your own. Speaking of paper, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring your own roll of TP. The solar lights were not working at the time of our visit but there were two bright lanterns that each took 4 D-cell batteries. I recommend bringing a couple of candles if you want a romantic touch but make sure they are safely housed so as not to be a fire hazard. We bought a tub for doing dishes in and left it up there.
Our stay in the cabin was wonderful. We had clear mornings with views of 3 peaks (Hood, Adams and even a peak at Rainier). One night was extremely stormy but we were warm and secure in the sturdy tower.
I had a strong enough signal (Verizon) to set up a hot spot and (reluctantly) participate in a meeting for work that I couldn't reschedule.
We would love to stay here again.
There were a couple of frying pans, 2 plates and 2 cups but we recommend bringing a pot and eating/cooking utensils. We assumed these would be up there but we were wrong. There were a few sheets of newspaper for starting the wood burning stove but I don't know if that will be re-stocked by the Forest Service so you may want to bring some paper of your own. Speaking of paper, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring your own roll of TP. The solar lights were not working at the time of our visit but there were two bright lanterns that each took 4 D-cell batteries. I recommend bringing a couple of candles if you want a romantic touch but make sure they are safely housed so as not to be a fire hazard. We bought a tub for doing dishes in and left it up there.
Our stay in the cabin was wonderful. We had clear mornings with views of 3 peaks (Hood, Adams and even a peak at Rainier). One night was extremely stormy but we were warm and secure in the sturdy tower.
I had a strong enough signal (Verizon) to set up a hot spot and (reluctantly) participate in a meeting for work that I couldn't reschedule.
We would love to stay here again.
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