Timber Butte Cabin
4.657 reviews46375 Highway 58
Timber Butte Cabin
$80.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly rates are $80 during the reservable peak season from April 28 to November 3. Reservation fees apply: $8 for online/app reservations, $9 for contact center reservations, and $3 for in-person reservations. Late cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's stay fee.
About this campground
Perched high in the Cascade Mountains, Timber Butte Cabin invites adventurers to step back in time to the golden age of fire lookouts. This charming 14x14-foot sanctuary, meticulously crafted as a replica of a 1930s L-4 gabled-style lookout, offers an authentic wilderness experience at 3,650 feet elevation. Wake to breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the Cascades, spend your days exploring hiking trails and pristine fishing spots, or simply relax with a picnic while scanning the horizon for wildlife. The cabin features cozy propane heating and cooking facilities for comfortable stays, though guests should come prepared with drinking water as the site maintains its rustic charm without electricity or running water. A vault toilet sits discretely 300 feet from your mountain retreat.
Timber Butte Cabin offers a unique, primitive lodging experience. The cabin is elevated and designed as a replica of a 1930s-era L-4 gabled-style lookout.
Historical SignificanceBorn from a community's passion for preserving fire lookout heritage, Timber Butte Cabin stands as a testament to volunteer dedication and local pride. In 2005, through generous contributions from volunteers and support from Lane County grants, this faithful replica of a 1930s lookout tower rose from the forest floor. The cabin honors the legacy of the brave fire spotters who once stood sentinel over these forests, offering modern visitors a chance to experience their solitary yet vital role in protecting the wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Timber Butte into a high-country paradise, where crystal-clear skies frame the mountain peaks and gentle breezes carry the scent of pine through warm, dry days. The peak season brings ideal conditions for outdoor adventures, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity creating perfect hiking weather. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts dramatically, and winter eventually cloaks the cabin in deep snow, rendering this mountain escape accessible only to the most intrepid souls willing to traverse the challenging conditions of heavy snowfall and mixed precipitation.
ElevationAt 3,650 feet above sea level, Timber Butte Cabin offers a front-row seat to nature's grandest theater. From this lofty perch, the world unfolds in layers of ridges and valleys, where morning mists dance through the forests below and evening alpenglow paints the distant peaks in shades of rose and gold. The elevation provides not just stunning mountain vistas, but a refreshing escape from summer heat and a chance to breathe the crisp, pine-scented air of the high country.
Natural Features and SceneryEmbrace the majesty of the Cascades from your doorstep, where dense evergreen forests create a verdant sea broken only by the snow-capped sentinels of Mount Jefferson and the iconic Three Sisters. This pristine wilderness sanctuary serves as home to an impressive cast of wildlife characters – from majestic Roosevelt elk grazing in mountain meadows to black bears foraging through the understory. Keep your binoculars handy for glimpses of soaring bald eagles, graceful black-tailed deer picking their way through the forest, and the occasional elusive bobcat padding silently through the shadows.
Geological RegionTimber Butte Cabin rests within the heart of the Cascade Mountains, where ancient volcanic forces sculpted a landscape of dramatic peaks and deep valleys now cloaked in the emerald embrace of Willamette National Forest. This magnificent evergreen realm represents one of Oregon's most treasured ecosystems, where Douglas firs, western hemlocks, and noble firs create cathedral-like groves that have stood for centuries, bearing witness to the ever-changing seasons and the endless cycle of mountain life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is accessed via a ramp and includes a hiking trail approximately 300 feet uphill from the parking area, indicating limited accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 14x14 feet, suitable for up to 4 guests.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is described as secluded, surrounded by evergreen forests, and located 19 miles from Lowell, Oregon.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPack lightly as guests must hike uphill for 300 feet. Bring AA batteries for heater operation and sufficient water.
Best CampsitesAs the cabin is the single campsite available, it is the best option.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in by combination lock
- guests must contact the Ranger District Office prior to arrival to obtain the lock code.
Check-out
Relock the gate upon departure. Guests must vacate at the end of their reserved stay.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin surrounded by forest with nearby picnic table, fire ring, and vault toilet located 300 feet away.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-April through late October. Closed during other parts of the year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov (online, app, contact center).
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is mentioned; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to 14 days before arrival for cabins, with a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee for late cancellations. Changes to reservations also incur a $10 fee for date adjustments outside original booking dates.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Timber Butte Cabin provides opportunities for a variety of activities in the surrounding Willamette National Forest. Hiking, fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, hunting, and birding are popular recreational options. The nearby Fall Creek Trail Area offers access to swimming holes, fishing spots, and scenic hiking trails.
Hiking
Several hiking trails in the Fall Creek Trail Area are accessible, including the Fall Creek National Recreation Trail. Reviews mention scenic routes and opportunities for exploration.Fishing
Fishing is available along the Fall Creek National Recreation Trail and nearby creek areas within 10 miles.Swimming
Swimming holes are available along the Fall Creek National Recreation Trail, providing opportunities for water-based recreation.Wildlife viewing
The surrounding forest is a habitat for Roosevelt elk, black bears, bald eagles, black tail deer, and bobcats, among other wildlife species.Winter Activities
Severe weather conditions including snow and wind may impact usability, but no specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Swimming holes are available but non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Open campfires may be prohibited during periods of severe fire danger. The cabin includes a propane gas stove for heating and cooking.
Hazards
General hazardsThe last road mile is steep and brushy; high-clearance vehicles are essential. Guests must hike 300 feet uphill to the cabin. Drinking water is unavailable, and guests must bring all supplies.
Active alertsAdvisories may include fire restrictions and road closures. Contact the Middle Fork Ranger District Office for updates.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Middle Fork Ranger District Office is the nearest emergency service contact. Phone: 541-782-2283.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 28 – November 3 annually.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCreek access is within 10 miles offering fishing, swimming, and hiking opportunities.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention the lack of drinking water, outdated power lines, and challenging road conditions. Some find the glass-pane walls inadequate for insulation.
HostContact the Middle Fork Ranger District Office for inquiries. Hosts are available on weekdays for assistance.
Campground Map
46375 Highway 58
Driving directionsTotal mileage from Lowell to Timber Butte Cabin is 19 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 and proceed toward the town of Lowell. At the 4-way junction in Lowell, turn left onto Boundary Road. Take the next right (Moss Street) for 2 miles to the crossroads of Unity, where you'll see another covered bridge. Turn right (east) onto Big Fall Creek Road (18) and proceed to MP 13 and turn right onto Forest Service Road 1821, continue up approx. 3.5 miles. At the 4-way turn right to stay on FS1821. Continue 0.5 more miles then turn right onto FSR 1821-168 and proceed 1 mile. Turn right onto FSR 1816-175 and after 100 yards turn left onto FSR 1816-131 (gated entrance road to the cabin). The last mile of the road is 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. Cabin parking is located about 1 mile up FSR 1816-131, adjacent to the outhouse.
The cabin is accessible by car. Guests must walk about 300 feet uphill from parking to the cabin. High-clearance vehicles are necessary for the last mile of road due to brushy conditions and steep terrain.Nearby places
Lowell (19 miles, approximately 35 minutes driving).
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies can be found in Lowell, which is approximately 19 miles away. Guests should bring all essentials including water, food, and sanitization supplies as the cabin does not provide these.
Camper Reviews
4.7
7 reviews
Timber Butte Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the cabin's secluded location, scenic views, and functional propane heating stove. However, some users note the lack of insulation and potable water as drawbacks. The need for a high-clearance vehicle and hiking uphill to access the cabin is frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the cabin's propane heating stove and cooktop, as well as its scenic surroundings and secluded atmosphere. The picnic table and fire ring were appreciated as cozy features. Reviewers...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of potable water, insulation, and electricity. Navigational challenges due to outdated directions were also noted. One review highlighted the difficulty of reaching the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users strongly recommend bringing water, AA batteries for the heater, and light packing due to the 300-foot uphill hike. A high-clearance vehicle is necessary for access.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The cabin is open from mid-April through late October, and reviews suggest this is the ideal time for a visit due to clearer weather conditions. Winter visits are not recommended because of snow and...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'What a cool cabin! Very secluded but the propane stove and fire place were a HUGE bonus out there.' 2. 'Had a flat tire and came across this cabin, super cute and great views!' 3. 'The timber...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight the cabin's optimal views and secluded setting. The fire ring and picnic table were praised for enhancing the outdoor experience.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are limited but note the uphill hike and ramp access. These features may pose challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed; no reviews specifically address this policy.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025