If you ask me, one of the rewards of planning a trip months in advance is that you can go to hard-to-visit places that are often remote, beautiful and sleep four people or fewer a night. If these qualities in a getaway appeal to you, think about reserving a stay in a fire lookout. Incredibly, many cost a mere $40 a night. The thing is, folks, you need to plan ahead because a lot of awesome people (like you) want to do it. A few years ago, I stayed in the West Fork Butte Lookout Cabin (above) in Lolo National Forest about 25 miles southwest of Missoula, Montana. Built in the 1930s, the 14 by 14 foot structure sits atop a rocky knob at about 6,100 feet elevation. Sure, there was whitewater rafting, hiking and even hot springs—all fantastic—but just being perched up on that mountain with hours to stare out at the insanely gorgeous scenery… that’s what sticks with me the most.

 

 

If You Go

Most lookouts are rented for the US Forest Service by the National Recreation Reservation System. Would-be renters can reserve online up to 180 days in advance.  To book an overnight, check out recreation.gov. Search "Cabins or Lookouts." Some lookout towers have access roads that put you within a few 100 yards (or closer); other spots require visitors to backpack a mile or more. Before you go, take note on what’s available in the cabin listed on the reservation site. A call to the local park ranger office will most likely clear up any additional questions. Many lookouts have wood burning stoves for heat, firewood, bunk beds, propane stoves for cooking and maybe even stray utensils, pots and pans. The outhouse is usually a short walk away. You will most definitely need to bring your own food, water, tp, soap, sleeping bag, binoculars and teddy bear.

 

Below are a couple photos of other places to rent:

 

The Calpine fire lookout in the Tahoe National Forest in California

 

 

Indian Ridge lookout in the Willamette National Forest in Oregon

 

 

2 Responses to “A View With A Room: Stay in a Fire Lookout Cabin”

 

   1. Casey@Good. Food. Stories. says:

      March 9, 2010 at 4:41 pm

      This is great to know – I’ve been reading a lot of Edward Abbey lately since I’m on a big trip through Arizona/Utah, and it’s been making me want to experience life as a fire lookout. Desolation Angels is due for a re-read too.

   2. Lexi says:

      March 9, 2010 at 7:42 pm

      This is such a great idea! My dad worked in a fire lookout station during the summers when I was young & we would spend a week or two with him in the middle of nowhere. I’m surprised I never thought of this myself!