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Warner Mountain Lookout is the winter wonderland destination for avid winter sports enthusiasts looking for a challenge. This replica of an old cupola-style lookout sits on a high vantage point of Warner Ridge at an altitude of 5,300 feet in the Willamette National Forest approximately 75 miles southeast of Eugene, Oregon.
This is a very remote location; the road to the lookout is not plowed or maintained for winter travel. The lookout can only be accessed by skis, snowmobiles or snowshoes, a distance of 2-10 miles. Conditions on the mountain change rapidly. You need to be evaluating conditions and weather throughout your stay. Sudden storms and high winds may make skiing and driving conditions difficult. Experience in cross-country skiing or snowshoe travel is highly recommended. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The reward is worth the effort of getting there. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the pristine snow-covered landscape and starry skies on clear nights.
Winter recreationists can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling on the terrain in the nearby Middle Fork Willamette River - Moon Point Trail Area.
Reaching the cabin on the 10-mile access road is part of the snow sport fun. Visitors might also catch a glimpse of any number of wildlife that lives in the area.
The 14x14-ft. cabin sits atop a 40-foot tower and is surrounded by a catwalk. The cabin accommodates 4 people and is furnished with one double bed that comfortably sleeps two, a table and chairs, propane stoves for heating and cooking, cookware, dishes, and a broom and dust pan. Propane is provided. Cell service may be available from the tower depending on your service provider. There is a vault toilet nearby. No water or electricity is provided. Guests typically melt snow for their supply of water for drinking, cooking and washing. A large pot is provided for this purpose. Items such as bedding, extra mattresses, flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not reliably available after mid-season. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Absolutely no pets are allowed.
The lookout towers over forest cover of noble fir, mountain hemlock and silver fir at the crest of Warner Mountain. The lookout is close to Middle Fork Willamette River - Moon Point Trail Area, with a diverse habitat ranging from meadows to rocky cliffs and dotted with high-elevation conifers. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bears, bald eagles, black tail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.
From Eugene, Oregon, take I-5 south to the exit for Highway 58 East. Drive east 34 miles on Highway 58 through Oakridge. Continue on Highway 58 about 1 to 1.5 miles east of Oakridge. Turn right towards Hills Creek Reservoir on Kitson Springs Road and proceed 0.2 mile to Forest Service Road (FSR) 21. Turn right and follow double lane FSR 21 south and southeast for approximately 18 miles. Turn left on gravel FSR 2129. Proceed on 2129 for 8 miles to Spur 439. (You may encounter snow before you reach 439). Turn right at this junction; follow this road for 4 miles to the 342 spur on the left. This is the road to the lookout. The road is gated, but the gate is usually buried under snow during the winter season and not visible. Lookout signs along FSR 21 and FSR 2129 will help identify the routes. Orange poles identify the final route through a meadow to the lookout. If a low-elevation storm is predicted at the time of arrival, be sure to park vehicle facing downhill before reaching the snow zone. It is the responsibility of cabin guests to arrange for towing if their vehicle gets stuck in snow.
Love it here! The view is amazing when it's clear out. There are dishes for cooking but bring extra paper towels, toilet paper, and tin foil just in case. You've got to melt snow for water so a small filtration system is advised or you'll have to boil the snow and have smokey tasting water. We hiked up six miles due to snow fall so make sure you study the trails, bring a map and gps, and most importantly start early (like 9am) because it's all uphill. Not for the casual hiker, but once you make it, it's cozy and beautiful.
Beautiful drive and scenery going up the mountain to the lookout tower.
11/8/22
5 stars because I’m sure it’s beautiful once up there but I only made it about 3,500 feet. I have 4WD and plenty of clearance but with how much snow was up there you’d need quite the lift on your vehicle and snow/mud tires or chains. My tires were not suited for the snow anyway. Where I stopped I was still about 8.5 miles away and it was too late to hike in so I turned back. Pretty bummed but I will be better prepared if there’s a next time. Perhaps I’ll rent a snow mobile 🤔
We stayed the night here for 2 nights. It's well worth it. Just make sure you are well prepared and follow the instructions on how to get there via the Forrest Service's website. This time of year unless your vehicle is well-equipped, expect a couple mile hike in the snow to the tower. Garmin will take you to the neighboring peak so pull up the picnic tables when you search. When you get there bask in the glorious view.
