Calamity Butte

Type: 50′ tower with octagonal cab
Status: Staffed
Elevation: 6,695′
Visited: July 3, 2021

While staying at the Fall Mountain Lookout we visited several lookouts in the area. First up today was Calamity Butte. The three mile drive on Road 2860 and 155 to the top was rough and rocky, but we made it in the Outback.

Calamity Butte

I believe this is only the second tower I’ve ever visited with an octagonal cabin (the other was Sisi Butte).

Calamity Butte

Calamity Butte

The original D5 cabin from 1927 is still up here.

Calamity Butte

Calamity Butte

Calamity Butte

Calamity Butte

The views were hazy from California wildfire smoke:

Calamity Butte

Calamity Butte

Calamity Butte

There’s also an old garage/shed.

Calamity Butte

Calamity Butte

Directions

From Road 28 turn east onto Road 2860. This road climbs roughly for approximately 2.5 miles, makes a sharp right where it becomes Road 155, and continues for about another half mile (also rough) to the lookout.

More information
Forest Lookouts
Rex’s Forest Fire Lookout Page
National Historic Lookout Register
Peakbagger
Panorama Photos
Geocache

History

A lookout cabin was constructed on Calamity Butte in 1927:

The current 50′ pole tower was completed in 2001, however the old 1927 cabin was left on the site.