Ponderosa pines, Douglas-fir and western hemlock provide a dense canopy over the mountainside, shading numerous creeks and providing a lush and varied habitat at Fivemile Butte. While hiking the many trails, be sure to have binoculars on hand and watch for golden eagles, wild turkeys, grouse and the brilliant blue flash of camp robbers, common nickname for stellar’s jays. Other wildlife, such as elk, deer, coyote, cougars, and bears frequent the area and visit the nearby creeks for a drink or a meal.
The cabin is atop a 40 foot tower and is surrounded by a wooden catwalk. The 14 x 14 foot room is furnished with a small, single bed, a wood stove for heating, and a table and chair, and is equipped with a propane cook stove and a solar lighting system. There is no water on site; visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located near by, as well as a shed stocked with firewood. A rope and pulley system is available to transport gear, as well as firewood, up and down the tower with ease. There is also a fire ring for campfires and barbecuing on site.
- Availability: Fivemile Butte is available for rent year round.
- Price and Capacity: $50 per night per group, with a maximum of four occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
- Reservations: The maximum length stay is seven consecutive nights. Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov
History
The original lookout was established by the Forest Service in the 1920s, and was just a small cab on a 30 foot pole tower. In 1932 a standard L-4 lookout was built to replace the earlier lookout, but was destroyed by heavy snow in 1942. A non-typical L-4 replacement was rebuilt. In 1957 it was replace by the present R-6 Flat Top style lookout.
