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This lookout is perched atop Fairview Peak at an elevation of 5,933 feet, offering visitors a unique lodging experience in Umpqua National Forest in southwest Oregon.
The Fairview Peak site was historically occupied as a fire lookout since the 1920s. During the late 50s and early 60s the tower was used as an Air Force "gap filler" radar station. Having a range of around 65 miles, these radars were placed in areas where it was thought enemy aircraft could fly low to avoid detection by the lower-range radars of the permanent and mobile radar networks.
The lookout tower is available for reservations from mid-June or early July through mid-October, and typically unavailable during peak fire season, usually the months of August and September, when it is in use for fire administration. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for travel to this site, and guests must bring several of their own amenities.
This site is located in National Forest System lands. While an effort is made to make your stay enjoyable, these sites are popular to the recreating public so you may find visitors interested in the area and the facilities. While you do not have to let them inside the facility they are allowed to be in the area.
On a clear day, guests at Fairview Peak Lookout can see north to Mount Hood, south to Crater Lake and Mt. McLaughlin and east to many prominent peaks in the Cascade Range. Snow drifts melt in June, welcoming the arrival of brilliant patches of wildflowers that splash color on the steep, rocky timbered hillsides. By October, vivid autumn color may be surprised with an early dusting of snow.
Large mammals such as elk, deer, black bear, and cougar, as well as the smaller residents like squirrels, fox, raccoons and bats, are supported by the areas diverse forest habitats.
Located in the heart of the Bohemia Mining District, the area is surrounded by rugged summits up to 6,000 feet in elevation that have and continue to attract gold seeking miners. The historic remains of Bohemia City can be viewed from Fairview Peak Lookout and from Bohemia Mountain trail. Musick Mine, one of the most productive gold mines in the district during the late 1800s and into the early 1900s, is a point of interest to history buffs and fortune seekers.
For hiking and sightseeing, the nearby Bohemia Mountain Hiking Trail leads up a steep grade to the rocky summit of Bohemia Mountain, the highest point on the Cottage Grove Ranger District. Just east of the summit along a ridgeline hikers are treated to dramatic views of the Cascade mountains.
The lookout cabin is a 15 x 15 room, set 53 feet above the ground. It is furnished with a full-size futon and twin bunks with mattresses. Inside amenities include a table with chairs, a propane heater, cook stove and oven and small refrigerator. Outside, a picnic table, campfire ring and vault toilet are provided. An area for pitching a tent is also on-site, although it is rocky.
There is no water or electricity available at the site. Guests must bring water necessary for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also bring a lantern or other light source, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags. Firewood may be available, but the supply cannot be guaranteed.
Visitors may want to take some time to visit nearby Crater Lake National Park for a glimpse into the areas fascinating geological and cultural history.
During June and October, there may be inclement weather conditions such as snow and ice that can make accessing the lookout more dangerous. Guests may have to snowshoe, cross-country ski or snowmobile 5 miles to the site in winter.
Entry to the road and tower is secured with combination locks. The combination will be provided in your reservation confirmation letter. You may also contact the Cottage Grove Ranger Station for the combinations and other area information by calling (541) 767-5000 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please note that the ranger station is unable to provide assistance during weekends and holidays, so please plan ahead for a safe experience.
Access is via single lane, graveled roads located on steep hillsides. The last few miles are narrow and rocky and high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Proceed slowly and deliberately, using low gear.
From Oregon Interstate 5, take Cottage Grove exit 174 onto Row River Road 2400. Continue east for 19 miles to Brice Creek Road 2470. Keep right and continue on Brice Creek Road for 12 miles to Noonday Road 2212. Turn right and travel 8.8 miles. At Champion Saddle, stay to your left, traveling on Sharps Creek Road 2460 for 1.1 miles to Fairview Lookout Road, 2460-773. Turn right on this road, pass through the gate and follow for 1.2 miles to the lookout.
Public isn't allowed inside due to structural damage from a storm but even from the base of the tower views are amazing
quite a fascinating visit and I got a chance to talk to a person that stays in that Tower and I got some history in a brief tour as well as climbing up the stairs and getting very winded very enjoyable visit
Sharps Creek Rd and Champion Creek Rd are 4x4 only. It's better to take USFS Rd 2212.
Currently the access road is closed, but walked from the bottom gate and it wasn't too bad. View makes it worth it.
