Type: R-6 ground cabin
Status: Abandoned
Elevation: 4,244 feet
Visited: July 6, 2013
My first lookout visit of 2013! The hike up to Little Cowhorn Mountain is a short one, just one mile each way. There aren’t any views along the way, but the views at the top are great! However, the view of the Three Sisters is scarred by numerous clearcuts.
Diamond Peak lays to the south.
The lookout is in pretty good shape. It is unlocked and available on a first-come first-served basis.
A nine-year-old notice inside the lookout gave a little background about the restoration efforts that took place here in 2004. I wonder if they’re still considering adding it to the rental program.
More information
Forest Lookouts
Rex’s Forest Fire Lookout Page
National Historic Lookout Register
Peakbagger
Panorama Photos
Geocache
History
A D-6 cupola was built on Little Cowhorn in 1923. All the lumber, shingles, windows, nails, and other construction equipment had to be hauled up to the summit by packstring from the Fall River Guard Station. The only way to reach the site was by trail, as no roads went up the mountain at that time.
1960
In 1960 that lookout was removed, and a 14×14′ R-6 ground cabin was constructed. According to the National Historic Lookout Register the lookout was placed on standby status in 1967 and has stood empty ever since.
1983
1994
The Little Cowhorn Lookout was refurbished in 2004, according to this notice posted in the lookout:
Little Cowhorn Lookout Restoration Project
June-September, 2004
The Middle Fork Ranger District has received a grant to fund major repairs at the Little Cowhorn Lookout. The current lookout was built in 1960 and replaced a D-6 cupola style which was built in 1923. This is one of the few remaining lookouts outside a wilderness area, which is not actively used as a fire lookout or part of the cabin rental program.
Much of the work at the lookout will be done by inmates with the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Forest Work Camp, supervised by Forest Service employees.
We thank the many people who have had a hand in maintaining the lookout over the years. Since there will not be on-going funding to maintain the lookout, we need a source of funds for maintenance. The cabin rental program is a likely solution. Please give your comments to Tim Bailey at the Middle Fork Ranger Station, 782-2283.