Gold Butte Lookout
Detroit, Oregon · 4,613 ft · In Willamette National Forest
Photos: USFS
Wildfire 14 mi N: Austin, 12,888 acres, 98% contained
At a glance
3 of 8 facts known · recreation.gov, checked Sep 24, 2026
- Elevation
- 4,613 ft (1,406 m)4,613 ft1,406 m
Sites1
Gold Butte Lookout lists no loops, so its sites are listed here. Pick a site to see its details.
All 1 shown · by site number
From recreation.gov's site list, Oct 10, 2026.
Amenities
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About
Overview
The Gold Butte Lookout sits on the summit of Gold Butte at an elevation of 4,618 feet in the Willamette National Forest. It was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. During World War II, the lookout served as part of Aircraft Warning System station in defense of the nation against air attack. It was staffed around the clock, usually by a husband and wife team, who reported all passing aircraft within sight or sound to a central filter center.
The lookout stands on 3-foot stilts and is surrounded by glass windows and an exterior catwalk, offering a panoramic view of the Cascades. It is furnished with refurbished or replica furniture.
From Recreation.gov and Recreation.gov — campground rate cards · · Edit
Cell service
Report signal- Verizon4G LTE
- AT&TNo coverage on FCC map
- T-MobileNo coverage on FCC map
Cell service at Gold Butte Lookout: FCC map Dec 2025
Weather
National Weather Service
- WedSunny, 6% chance of rain62°47°
- ThuSunny68°46°
- FriSunny73°46°
- SatChance Light Rain, 34% chance of rain53°37°
- SunMostly Sunny, 9% chance of rain55°38°
Nearby camping
SeeSee all on the mapFox Creek Group Campground
Public Land · 2.3 mi · Detroit
Fox Creek Group Camp
Public Land · 2.3 mi · Detroit
Humbug Campground
Public Land · 2.4 mi · Detroit
3 more within 25 mi
Dispersed camping nearby
Free dispersed camping within 19 mi, on public land.
- 5.4 mi
Camp site
Idanha, OR · On U.S. Forest Service land · Willamette National Forest
- 5.4 mi
Camp site
Idanha, OR · On U.S. Forest Service land · Willamette National Forest
- 13 mi
Camp site
Detroit, OR · On Bureau of Land Management land · Nw Oregon Cascades Field Office
- 13 mi
Camp site
Detroit, OR · On Bureau of Land Management land · Nw Oregon Cascades Field Office
- 13 mi
Camp site
Detroit, OR · On Bureau of Land Management land · Nw Oregon Cascades Field Office
Location and contact
Data from Recreation Information Database (RIDB) / Recreation.gov, Recreation.gov — campground rate cards
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