Type: Three-story enclosed cab
Status: Private
Elevation: 4,813′
Visited: September 17, 2022
After visiting the private Tope Creek Lookout the day before, attendees at the FFLA Conference visited another private lookout today, Courtney Butte. This was once an ODF lookout that was then sold. The owners have renovated it and now use it as a guest house for friends and family.
The lower level has a kitchen and bathroom:
Second floor:
Third floor:
The firefinder is still here:
Nice details on the railings:
Most of the views are obscured by trees now:
Looking south (Courtney Creek is far below out of sight):
The house that the landowners live in:
The old outhouse still stands:
More information
Forest Lookouts
Rex’s Forest Fire Lookout Page
National Historic Lookout Register
Peakbagger
History
Courtney Creek and Courtney Butte were named for three pioneer stockmen: Lins, Alex, and Bent Courtney.
In 1955 a lookout was built on Courtney Butte by the Oregon Department of Forestry. A quarter mile of road was constructed to facilitate access. At some point ODF auctioned off the tower and land to a private buyer.