Administrative agency:
Deschutes NF
Staffing status: contract position
Elevation: 5462 ft
Structure: 1992 40ft wooden tower with wooden
octagon cab
Access: access can be a little tricky,
coming from La Pine the main FS road is paved into the area of
the lookout, the roads are then gravel and signed somewhat
well closer to the lookout, then the problems are encountered,
the FS map (at least the older one) shows the lookout road
incorrectly, the road with that number does not lead to the
lookout, instead driving a further distance is necessary, then
the road to the summit is encountered, a sign saying the road is
closed due to wildlife is present, but use of the road is
acceptable to access the lookout, this road continues for
around 1.5 miles, around 1/3 rd of a mile before the lookout a
gate is present which might be opened during fire season,
unfortunately my recollection of specific road numbers and
locations from my visit is hazy, for potential visitors to the
lookout it might be a good idea to ask for directions at a
ranger station or allow extra time to find the correct road,
not too many spur roads are present, approximately 9 miles of
paved road driving and 6-8 of gravel and dirt road driving are
necessary from the highway, several routes are possible with
the easiest likely coming off the highway at La Pine
Road conditions: the paved road is in good
condition for the most part, the gravel roads are somewhat
wash boarded and contain some potholes, the road to the summit
is mostly dirt and is somewhat rough with some dips in it, at
the top some gravel is again present at the parking area
Interior: the interior contains a bed, shelves,
counter, propane heater, stove, refrigerator, and lighting, as
well as the octagon cab essential, mini-blinds for the nice
large windows
Other structures on summit: a permanently mounted
propane tank sits near the lookout as does what is likely the
original garage, which remains in good condition, a root
cellar type structure is also present which contains a large
water tank for the lookout to use as well as to be available
in case of a fire on the summit, it is also worth mentioning
that a newer vault toilet resides on the summit, it is not too
often these are found at lookouts
Electric energy source: several photovoltaic
systems are present, the FS has a small panel which appears to
charge a deep cycle battery and likely powers the radio, and
cell phone, Victor the lookout has his own personal system
which is more sizable, he has at least three solar panels two
of which are the same size, these are mounted below the
catwalk, he also has a smaller one that sits on the catwalk,
he has two good quality deep cycle batteries, along with
several charge controllers wired so the larger panels do the
bulk of the charging, when charging is almost complete these
will disconnect and the smaller panel will trickle charge the
battery to full charge, loads include a small 12V TV, 12V
Christmas light nightlight, and a higher wattage halogen 12V
reading lamp, along with plenty of capacity for additional
loads in the future
Other: this is one of the four new towers on the
Deschutes NF, the octagon cab is somewhat controversial among
lookouts and is one of three in the state, it is worth noting
that although the Deschutes does seem to take care of
their staffed towers, other un-staffed towers and other
historic buildings are in need of repair, the view is somewhat
general taking in the rather uneventful surrounding forest,
some trees are growing on the summit as well as smaller
plants, of all the lookouts on the forest, Spring Butte likely
receives the fewest amount of visitors, despite the closer
access to the highway, it is also interesting to note that the
lookout views a large amount of private land protected by
Walker Range to the west, but forest land in most other areas |
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Victor the lookout has been
working Spring Butte for a number of years as well as several
other noteworthy lookouts, in addition he enjoys working with
his photovoltaic system, and really enjoys working as a
lookout |
| Visited:
Dominic Luebbers August 2002 |
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