Drake Peak Lookout is perched on the crest of the North Warner Mountain Range. At a lofty elevation of 8,222 feet, the lookout offers sweeping views into Oregon, California and Nevada. Panoramic photographic opportunities abound from the first glimmer of the rising sun to the golden evening glow of sunset.
Drake Peak Lookout is located approximately one hour northeast of Lakeview, Oregon. It was built in 1948 and served as a U.S. Forest Service fire lookout for the surrounding area. Still featured in the lookout is an Osborne Firefinder, a large disk with map and compass directions. This device helped lookout personnel pinpoint fire locations. Today, the lookout offers guests solitude, relaxation, and access to recreation.
The 14 x 14 foot lookout is furnished with lights, a cook stove, a wood stove for heating, fold-up cots, and a small table and chair. A picnic table and vault toilet are located near the building. Guests must provide water, firewood, and all other camping supplies. Potable water is available at at Mud Creek Campground approximately six miles away.
The area that surrounds the lookout is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and birds. In the fall migrating geese, ducks and swans fly overhead. It is also an ideal location to pursue recreation activities like day hiking and mountain biking. Hiking to Drake Peak from the lookout is a popular recreational venture. Hikers and mountain bikers can also access the Fremont and Crane Mountain National Recreation Trails from the nearby South Fork Crooked Creek Trailhead.
- Availability: Drake Peak Lookout is available for rent June 15 through October 15, depending on snow levels. The lookout may be closed for administrative use if large wildfires start in nearby areas.
- Access: Due to its remote location, Drake Peak Lookout can be a challenge to get to. The last five miles are known for dips, bumps, and boulders on a rough road and may require a four-wheel drive vehicle.
- Price and Capacity: $40 per night, per group, with a maximum of four occupants (a maximum of two adults is recommended). Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
- Reservations: Online at: www.recreation.gov or by telephone at 877-444-6777.
History
Drake Peak, an L-4 Aladdin ground house cabin, was built in 1948 on the crest of the Warner Mountain Range and has been used as a fire lookout since then. Half a century ago, the life of a forest lookout was full of long, lonely hours with no time off. Groceries and other supplies were brought in by packers on horseback or by mule. During daylight hours, lookouts scanned the region watching for lightning, flames, curls of smoke – anything that might hint at the start of a forest fire. The moment they spotted something, they telephoned the information and location to the Ranger Station, and then helped with mapping the blaze if it spread.
