Willamette National Forest1
Campsite #1 at Warner Mountain Lookout, OR
$85
Cabin Site #1
| 4 people | |
| 1 | good |
5/19
5/30
Campsite #1 Features: Back-In parking, Cabin Site
Campsite Reviews (15)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 73% |
| 4 star | | 20% |
| 3 star | | 0% |
| 2 star | | 7% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@Christine33606 · Camped on May 9, 2025 at Campsite #1
We were able to drive within three miles of the lookout and then hiked in with only yak traks without post holing very often. We discovered that when we walked on the high points of the snowmobile tracks it was easier walking. We crossed paths with the previous guests who recommended we pass the gate and walk across the meadow. It wasnt much further but easier than hiking through the woods at the gate. Its a fairly gradual incline which made it an enjoyable hike experience. The lookout has 50 stairs, a functional oven, stove and heater with incredible 365 views! We didnt get the fridge to work but didnt try very hard either. I was able to hang my hammock inside on the hook and ladder when the ladder was down, which made me a very happy camper and gave my friend use of the double bed. There are lights and sufficient pots, pans and cooking utensils. We used snow melt for a water source beyond what we packed in. No use of the toilet but with views like this it makes for a spectacular outdoor bathroom experience! We packed in a couple dollar store inflatable floaties/tubes and used them to slide on, making that one of our trip highlights! I think spring is a great time to do this trip.
@KathleenM78273 · Camped on Apr 13, 2025 at Campsite #1
Warner Mountain was a spectacular hike, and yes there was feet of snow in mid April. Worth every ounce of effort to make it to a wide view, cozy cabin, and solitude.
@ColinM3108367 · Camped on Mar 5, 2025 at Campsite #1
Beautiful location and facilities. Clean and comfortable. The stove is a bit finicky, but worked well once we got it lit.
@SengS811F5DFDA · Camped on Dec 3, 2024 at Campsite #1
It's a super relaxing area. Definitely have to park right before FS 439. That road up there has almost 24 inches of snow. Soo many cars turned around up there. The only draw back of the lookout is that one of the window blinds is completely missing.The string lights didn't really work. Even the lights didn't work. Luckily I brought my USB light.I left my USB light bulb for future guests. So bring a power bank. You have to be super fit to get up there. It's no joke of a snowshoe. But if you train for it, then you will definitely be rewarded.Safe travels friends.
@FallonH37CDBF8 · Camped on Nov 17, 2024 at Campsite #1
Nov 17, 2024Parked just below Moon Point in my Forester though the clearance was tight. Used my snowshoes and broke trail the entire 3.5 miles to the tower. It was slow going uphill. Once I reached the tower I was greeted with the heat already on low so the cabin was toasty! I melted snow for dinner and morning coffee. The cupola was so beautiful though SO MUCH COLDER than the bottom cabin. I slept great on the mattress in my sleeping bag. Never got the actual lights on so I assume thats only for when the fire is being actively used by the forest service. String lights made it super cozy. Listened to it storm all night and had a very wet hike out in the rain. Loved this experience! Cell service in the tower but not during the hike in.
@DonaldC5913877 · Camped on Oct 29, 2024 at Campsite #1
Great place to stay, Dress warm and enjoy the views. The sunsets & sunrises are amazing!
@JeffG6611372 · Camped on May 5, 2024 at Campsite #1
Hello hikers and rangers some critical info here:The final 342 spur on the left is marked with a large state park sign which may be covered by snow at some points in the season but is otherwise obvious. The distance of the final spur to the actual shelter is not noted in these directions, which is a dangerous oversight. My family arrived at the spur during high winds and low visibility. In the snow, there is no clearly marked final route to the lookout. The orange poles identify the final route was not the case. The lookout, also, does not seem to have a light, reflective tape, or anything else to make it easily visible in the dark, or during a storm. You will not see it towering over the treeline. It does not, as you may wish, function like a lighthouse. It is made of wood, bookended by pines, and in low visibility becomes essentially invisible. There is nothing worse than making a 6+ mile trek in the snow uphill with otherwise good directions to be searching for a spur road which once finally located is unmarked and of indeterminate length.Rangers and caretakers you have a beautiful location here, and it is well-cared for and loved. It is the case that my family nearly thought we had to snow-camp after 9 hours of grueling hiking because the final leg felt like an unmarked free-for-all of indeterminate length. The meadow could go in any number of directions. Once could easily make an error and branch off the wrong direction and never locate the shelter.Please consider darkness, snow, white-out conditions, fatigue, and fog when signposting this last critical leg. If it were not for the small blue light at the base of the solar panel, we never wouldve found it.Other than that and as others have noted this is a beautiful but grueling uphill hike. We went during the first week of May, and encountered the conditions described above. Final 2.0 miles may be tough on morale. Once you arrive, all is worth it!
@SashaM9390912 · Camped on Mar 28, 2024 at Campsite #1
I love Warner mountain but be aware that forest service wont remove downed trees on the road in winter even where snow is gone. Not a huge deal except there is no option for a refund if you only booked one night. I spent many hours removing downed trees and ran out of daylight. I would hope the high fees for this lookout would also go toward this type of maintenance as well as better updates when you call the ranger station. I stay at a lot of lookouts and I think this one is top notch but road maintenance is not. Ill still book any chance I get but understand you are gambling your money more here than some others.
@BenW9089063 · Camped on Dec 10, 2023 at Campsite #1
Perfect winter getaway!
@KatiB4199460 · Camped on Nov 29, 2023 at Campsite #1
Very well maintained lookout cabin, no signs of rodents. Propane stove takes a long time to warm up the cabin, could really use a convection heat fan to sit on top of the stove to move the warm air around. Previous occupants appear to have used a cast iron skillet (that apparently lives at Warner) and did not clean it; it was absolutely disgusting. Really appreciate having a table and chairs in the cabin! We were likely the last occupants to be able to drive up to the gate this season, drove the "wrong" way but still made it! Short 1/4 mile walk in was a treat :)
@ErinF6E4B3DEC9 · Camped on Nov 24, 2023 at Campsite #1
This is a great lookout and perfect location! We stayed early winter and there was just a bit of old snow on the ground. We were able to drive right up to the gate. Beware you can't drive all the way to the LO, the gate is locked and it's a roughly 1/3 mile walk from there. We personally don't understand why renters who are paying can't drive right up to it when the road actually winds around the other side directly below it and people park there in the road and walk right up daily. One other major issue we had here was the tower does not lock and the hatch is locked OPEN. This is ridiculous for those paying to rent a space but have no way to lock their belongings inside to keep them safe. We never felt like we could leave the LO without packing up all of our gear and taking it with us. We had a number of visitors walk right up to the lookout and some right up to the deck and were startled that we were there. They had planned to walk right in assuming it was open to anyone. We, however, really enjoyed the views and the amenities inside. The carpet was a nice change of pace! The little electric heater barely kept us warm and it wasn't even winter yet. We decided we would never rent this again unless it was early or late season, as we don't see it being warm enough after a long trek in the snow.
@maryw3172749 · Camped on Apr 28, 2023 at Campsite #1
With not much snowshoe experience, this was incredibly challenging, but I was quickly hooked to the activity upon being rewarded with the incredible views and honor of being a steward of the historic lookout tower and surrounding forest. We came well-prepared and touched base with the nearby ranger station ahead of time.
Spotted several sets of bear and wolf tracks but had no trouble making our way.
Definitely not for the faint of heart, but well worth a visit up. Beautiful. Beautiful.
Spotted several sets of bear and wolf tracks but had no trouble making our way.
Definitely not for the faint of heart, but well worth a visit up. Beautiful. Beautiful.
@BrookeK7764526 · Camped on Apr 7, 2023 at Campsite #1
We love going to fire lookouts, and let me just say, Warner did not disappoint. It was maintained so well, we were super impressed. We had a propane fireplace to keep us warm and cozy, which was a total lifesaver. It made us feel like we were camping, but with the added bonus of having a little bit of luxury. The snow shoeing in 10 miles (due to recent snow fall) was extremely challenging, but it made getting to the lookout all the more satisfying. Incredible experience!
@KenR7711474 · Camped on Feb 18, 2023 at Campsite #1
Such a great experience. Tower is stocked well and has solar powered lights which was not expected. Verizon and ATT cell coverage is good.
@SierraS8392901 · Camped on Jan 21, 2023 at Campsite #1
We were able to park 2 miles from the LO in my lifted Jeep, which left an easy snow shoe the rest of the way up. The group right before us parked 5.5 miles away, so really just depends on your vehicle and driving capabilities. Bring recovery gear if you’re trying to go up high. I got stuck a few times. Great service here. I was able to stream movies at night and watch them on my portable projector. Super windy at night even when it clears up. Unfortunately didn’t see any wildlife, but woke up to turkey tracks everywhere. All dishes we needed were at the LO. Even a large pot to boiling snow for drinking water. Bathroom was well taken care of and didn’t stink! Great views and totally worth it.
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