Clearwater Lookout Cabin
3.7712 reviews71 WEST MAIN ST, POMEROY, WA 99347, USA
Clearwater Lookout Cabin
$50.00 - $50.00 / 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
The nightly fee for renting the Clearwater Lookout Cabin is $50. This fee does not include reservation service fees nor taxes. Discounts may apply for holders of certain Interagency Passes.
About this campground
Perched high in the Umatilla National Forest, the Clearwater Lookout Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic mountain retreat. This charming 1935 wood cabin sits in the shadow of a towering 94-foot steel lookout tower, offering visitors a unique blend of rustic comfort and wilderness solitude. Year-round access means you can chase summer wildflowers or winter powder, with modern touches like propane heating, lights, a cook stove, and refrigerator making your stay comfortable. While you'll need to pack in your own water and supplies, the reward is unparalleled – sweeping panoramic views of the untamed Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness stretch endlessly before you. Whether you're lacing up hiking boots, saddling horses, firing up snowmobiles, or simply counting stars in the pristine night sky, this historic hideaway serves as your perfect basecamp for mountain adventures.
The campground provides a rustic cabin as its primary accommodation, ideal for visitors seeking solitude and panoramic views.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to 1935, when young men of the Civil Conservation Corps hammered together this sturdy cabin, their legacy of craftsmanship still evident in every hand-hewn beam. The imposing steel tower that stands sentinel beside it predates the cabin by two years, erected in 1933 as a vital guardian against forest fires. Though the tower's watchful human occupants have long since departed, it remains an iconic landmark – a testament to the Forest Service's dedication to protecting these wild lands. Staying here connects you to generations of fire lookouts who scanned these same horizons, their vigilance helping preserve the wilderness you see today.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints the Clearwater landscape with its own dramatic palette. Summer arrives with azure skies and sun-warmed days perfect for trail exploration, while winter transforms the terrain into a snow-laden wonderland that beckons snowmobilers and cross-country skiers to glide along meticulously groomed trails. Spring and fall offer their own magic – wildflower blooms and golden larch displays respectively. While the high elevation keeps precipitation relatively light, winter storms can blanket the area in deep, powdery snow, creating a pristine playground for cold-weather enthusiasts. Pack layers year-round, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storm with little warning.
ElevationAt 5,600 feet above sea level, the Clearwater Lookout Cabin offers a true sky-high escape where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and summer temperatures provide refreshing relief from valley heat. This lofty perch puts you eye-to-eye with soaring eagles and above the morning fog that often fills the valleys below, creating an ethereal sea of clouds at sunrise.
Natural Features and SceneryThe northern Blue Mountains cradle this high-elevation sanctuary in a tapestry of bunchgrass meadows, aromatic lodgepole pine groves, and stately subalpine fir forests. This diverse ecosystem pulses with life – Rocky Mountain Elk bugle across ridgelines in autumn, while bighorn sheep navigate impossible cliffs with grace. Black bears forage for huckleberries, mountain lions prowl silently through the shadows, and coyotes sing their wild songs under starlit skies. Deer graze in alpine meadows as raptors circle overhead, and the cheerful chatter of mountain birds provides a constant soundtrack to your wilderness experience. From your cabin doorstep, the landscape unfolds in waves of ridges and valleys, each vista more breathtaking than the last.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged embrace of the northern Blue Mountains, the cabin occupies a privileged position in the vast Umatilla National Forest. This ancient landscape tells a story written in stone and soil – volcanic origins sculpted by millennia of wind, water, and ice into the dramatic terrain you see today. The varied elevations create distinct ecological zones, from bunchgrass steppes that wave like golden seas in the wind to dense stands of lodgepole pine and subalpine fir that whisper secrets of the high country. This is where the Columbia Plateau meets mountain majesty, creating a unique geological crossroads that supports remarkable biodiversity.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe outhouse is equipped with a rail for accessibility. Entry to the cabin is through a combination lock.
Sites SizeCabin sized for up to four individuals with bunk beds and room for basic camping gear.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy appears limited due to proximity to ATV trails and public use of the outhouse. "The cabin seems to be at the confluence of several off-road vehicle trails. People are zooming by in loud ATVs or motorcycles all day." (User review by Dotty S).
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should bring all essential supplies, including water, kitchen gear, bedding, and flashlights. Advanced winter preparation is critical due to extreme cold and potential equipment malfunctions.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the only campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
The stay limit is up to 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin sleeps up to 4 guests.
Groups
Null
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin includes a kitchen and bedroom area with two bunk beds. An outhouse and a picnic table are located outside.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though vehicle access is restricted between November 1 and June 1 due to snow conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not applicable; reservations must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyThere is a $10 cancellation fee if reservations are canceled before the check-in date. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) also forfeit the first night's fee. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee. Refunds are subject to site policies.
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.
GlampingGlamping options are available for visitors looking to enjoy nature with added comfort. These upgraded accommodations offer a unique blend of outdoor atmosphere and modern convenience.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Available activities include hiking, horseback riding, mushroom and berry picking, stargazing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing.
Hiking
Hiking trails can be accessed from the cabin. "Our days were spent exploring the surrounding area, doing short hikes and sitting around the fire." (User review by Philip A).Biking
Biking opportunities may exist based on the terrain; "This would be a great place to bring a dirtbike." (User review by Elizabeth M).Wildlife viewing
Wildlife species commonly seen include Rocky Mountain Elk, bighorn sheep, deer, black bears, cougars, coyotes, and birds such as mountain bluebirds and barn owls. "Be sure to bring your binoculars! There's a barn owl near the cabin, along with endless mountain bluebirds." (User review by Elizabeth M).Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. "The groomed trail was easy to XC ski on." (User review by Dohle D).Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned as available at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Guests are encouraged to source firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive pests. Campfires are allowed in the designated firepit.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsKey hazards include extreme winter weather conditions requiring advanced preparation, wildlife encounters, and lack of cell service in the area. Guests are advised to bring appropriate supplies and plan for emergencies.
Active alertsNo current alerts or advisories are mentioned.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services such as hospitals and police are located in Pomeroy, WA.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingGuests must bring their own garbage bags as the site is 'pack it in, pack it out.' "Please bring your own garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in, pack it out' site." (Authoritative source).
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are immediately nearby; guests must bring potable water for all needs.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently cite noise from nearby ATV trails as a significant issue. Some complaints include heating malfunctions and carbon monoxide alarms triggered by gas lamps.
Campground Map
71 WEST MAIN ST, POMEROY, WA 99347, USA
Driving directionsFrom Pomeroy, take 15th Street south which turns into Peola Rd and follow for 8 miles. The road then turns into Mountain Road, follow for 7.5 miles on pavement to the forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 40 for about 9 miles to Clearwater Junction. The cabin is located to the right at the base of Clearwater Lookout Tower. Guests may park right beside the cabin, but not on the concrete helipad. Automobile access to the site is from June 1 to November 1. In winter, visitors must park at the Rose Springs Sno-Park, about 1.5 miles inside the forest boundary. From this point, guests can either snowmobile or cross country ski about 6.5 miles on a beginner to intermediate-level trail.
Automobile access is seasonal (June 1 to November 1). Winter access requires parking at the Rose Springs Sno-Park and traveling 6.5 miles by snowmobile or cross-country ski.Nearby places
Pomeroy is the nearest city, approximately a 40-minute drive (25 miles).
Nearby supplies
General stores and gas stations are available in Pomeroy, a 40-minute drive from the cabin.
Camper Reviews
3.8
12 reviews
Clearwater Lookout Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with positive comments about the cabin's rustic charm, scenic views, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, but concerns about noise, limited privacy, and occasional issues with appliances.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciated the cabin's rustic charm, panoramic views, and opportunities for stargazing and wildlife viewing. "Lucky enough to see a lightning storm light up the sky our last night there."...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include traffic noise from ATVs, public use of the outhouse, and limited privacy. "This area is on an ATV trail as well. During the day there was constant noise from the various...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring additional kitchen gear, water, and other camping basics. "Bring your own kitchen gear, matches, water or pot to melt snow, lighters, blankets, matches, pillows, matches, toilet paper, and...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter attracts snowmobilers and cross-country skiers, while spring and summer are popular for hiking and stargazing. Noise levels may vary by season due to ATV traffic.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The cabin seems to be at the confluence of several off-road vehicle trails." (Dotty S), "The views were stunning; breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, cows wandering about and heard the local pack of...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews specifically mention campsite 001 in the loop AREA CLEARWATER LOOKOUT CABIN. Complaints and praises often focus on the cabin's appliances and its proximity to public trails.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
The outhouse accessibility rail is appreciated by users needing extra support. "There is a newer outhouse that is clean, and has a rail for those needing extra support." (User review by Elizabeth M).
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Only one dog is allowed at the cabin; no other pets are permitted. Users generally have no complaints regarding the pet policy.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025