Squaw Butte Fire Lookout

This restored CCC-built fire lookout sits at the summit of Squaw Butte, offering panoramic views across the high desert of eastern Oregon. The 40-foot steel tower is staffed seasonally and provides one of the most expansive vistas in the region — on clear days, you can see the Cascade Range to the west and Idaho’s mountains to the east. The lookout is accessible via a rough 4WD road that climbs through juniper and sage country.

The access road is steep, rocky, and requires high-clearance 4WD, especially in the final mile to the summit. Snow typically blocks access from November through April. No overnight camping is permitted at the tower itself, but dispersed camping is available along the access route. Bring water — none available at the site.

Historic desert lookout with endless high country views