Overview
Clearwater Lookout Cabin is a single story, wood frame structure constructed in 1935. It is tucked at the base of the Clearwater Lookout tower, a 94-foot steel tower constructed by the Civil Conservation Corps in 1933. Through the years, the tower has been used as a landmark by the public and employees of the Forest Service. The tower is no longer manned during fire season, but it is used on occasion during extreme fire conditions. The tower is closed to public access, but the rental cabin is open year-round. The cabin is located about 25 miles south of Pomeroy, Washington in the Umatilla National Forest. Access by car is from June 1 to October 31 weather permitting. In winter, access is limited to cross country skis, snowshoes or snowmobile.
Recreation
Horseback riding and hiking trails can be accessed from the cabin. During spring and summer, guests can enjoy a short and scenic drive along the Tucannon River to Sunset Point. Mushroom and berry picking may also entertain guests. At night, guests enjoy gazing up at the star-filled sky.
Winter brings avid snowmobilers and skiers to explore its groomed trails.
Facilities
The cabin is divided into a kitchen and a bedroom, and is furnished with four extra-long single beds. It is kept warm in the winter by a propane heater, and features propane lights, a cook stove and a refrigerator, as well as some cookware, dishes and utensils. However it is suggested that visitors bring their own dishes, pots, pans and utensils. There is a firepit and picnic table outside. An outhouse is located nearby.
The cabin was updated inside and out during the summer of 2023.
There is no water on-site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. Other things to bring include bedding or sleeping bags, flashlights, dish soap and other basic camping gear.
General cleaning is expected before departure. Mop, bucket, broom, and cleaning supplies provided (water is not provided). Cleaning service is not always available between guests, please leave the cabin as you would like to find it.
Natural Features
Perched at 5,600 feet elevation, Clearwater Lookout Cabin offers panoramic views of the expansive Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, from sunrise to sunset.
The rugged landscape of the wilderness stretches across the northern Blue Mountains of southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. The mountain slopes are carpeted with bunchgrass, lodgepole pine and subalpine fir.
An array of wildlife, including Rocky Mountain Elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed and mule deer, black bears, cougars and coyotes may be spotted.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest general stores and gas stations are in Pomeroy, a 40-minute drive from the cabin.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area