Established Camping

Clearwater Lookout Cabin

Clearwater Lookout Cabin is located in the Umatilla National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Tucannon River and the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, offering opportunities for hiking and fishing.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Umatilla National Forest

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.

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.

Charges & Cancellations

For Reservation Changes & Cancellation Fees, please see Rules & Reservation Policies.

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Location

Clearwater Lookout Cabin is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Pomeroy, take 15th Street south which turns into Peola Rd and follow for 8 miles. The road then turns into Mountain Road, follow for 7.5 miles on pavement to the forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 40 for about 9 miles to Clearwater Junction. The cabin is located to the right at the base of Clearwater Lookout Tower. Guests may park right beside the cabin, but not on the concrete helipad. Automobile access to the site is from June 1 to November 1. In winter, visitors must park at the Rose Springs Sno-Park, about 1.5 miles inside the forest boundary. From this point, guests can either snowmobile or cross country ski about 6.5 miles on a beginner to intermediate-level trail. Know the weather forecast before leaving as winter weather can change quickly. A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required to park at the Sno-Park. Permits can be purchased from any Washington State Park office.

Address

71 WEST MAIN ST
Pomeroy, WA 99347

Coordinates

46.20304 N
117.574933 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Clearwater Lookout Cabin?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Clearwater Lookout Cabin, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Clearwater Lookout Cabin have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Clearwater Lookout Cabin does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Clearwater Lookout Cabin?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Clearwater Lookout Cabin. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Clearwater Lookout Cabin, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Clearwater Lookout Cabin?

    There are 1 campsites at Clearwater Lookout Cabin and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts