Pickett Butte Fire Lookout

Administrative agency:  Umpqua NF

Staffing status:  the tower had been staffed probably since construction, but was cut around 98, it remained closed for a couple years, but was reactivated in 2001 hopefully for years to come, it is a contract position, and is a rental during the winter

Elevation:  3292 ft

Structure:  1948 40 ft wooden tower with L-4 cab

Access:  the road is signed from the pavement, and is accessible without a map, a gate is present a quarter to half mile from the tower, it will probably be closed during rental, but may be opened during staffing, the tower is less than 10 miles from the pavement, a sign is present at the gate indicating entry is by permission of the renters

Road conditions:  the road is graveled and in good condition

Interior:  the cab includes propane lighting, a refrigerator, stove and heater, a bed, table, and shelves are also present

Other structures on summit:  a permanently mounted propane tank sits near the tower, a radio building sits next to the tower, a fenced weather area is also present

Electrical power source:  a small solar array is attached to the roof of the radio building, another panel is attached to the tower and is likely used for the LO radio

Other:  the trees need to be trimmed in several locations, when I was there the view was interrupted in several places, and was not practical for fire detection in those areas, the trees may have been trimmed after my visit, the tower is in good condition, and is in a nice setting

Visited:  Dominic Luebbers in May 2001