Drake Peak Lookout
Book this listing through our partner Recreation Gov
About Drake Peak Lookout
Overview
Located on the crest of the Warner Mountain Range at an elevation of 8,222 feet, Drake Peak Lookout hugs the wind-swept land surrounding it, offering unparalleled views into Oregon, California and Nevada. The lookout was built in 1948 and has served as a fire detection site for the surrounding area.Historically, Forest Service personnel lived long seasons in the cabin, scanning the region for lightning, flames, curls of smoke or any other indicator of possible forest fires. At one time, hundreds of these types of lookouts were in service throughout the Pacific Northwest. Today the lookout provides a unique lodging experience for guests seeking recreation and relaxation in the Fremont-Winema National Forest.
Although the lookout offers some basic amenities, for guests to enjoy their experience completely, they must bring several of their own supplies.
Recreation
Hiking, stargazing and wildlife viewing are popular activities. The Drake-McDowell area provides solitude for backpackers and horseback riders with spectacular views of the Warner Mountains, Hart Mountain, Warner Valley and Abert Rim. A hike to the summit of Drake Peak is a popular excursion from the lookout.At night the lookout is an ideal setting for stargazing, as constellations and planets put on a dazzling display.
Facilities
The small, 14 x 14-foot lookout is designed to accommodate up to four people and is furnished with folding cots, a table and chairs, a wood stove for heat and limited counter space for food preparation. A picnic table is located outdoors, as is a vault toilet. There is no water on site, so guests must bring sufficient supplies for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests may fill water jugs at Mud Creek Campground approximately 6 miles away. Guests must also provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit and firewood. Although lighting is available, it is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies. The Forest Service does not provide firewood for this facility.Natural Features
Drake Peak Lookout sits beneath a vast sky, overlooking distant peaks, volcanic landscapes and wide-open sage basins. From its scenic perch, the lookout offers panoramic vistas and glimpses into wild places where visitors can still find solitude.Although the lookout does not sit on Drake Peak, the nearby mountain is one of several high peaks in the immediate vicinity, including Twelvemile Peak, Light Peak and Crook Peak. Composed of uplifted and eroded basalt, and sparse vegetation, views from this mountain offer unobstructed views of unique geological landforms.
Diverse habitats support a variety of species. Deer, Rocky Mountain elk and pronghorn find homes in nearby forests, while several varieties of trout inhabit the lakes and streams. In the spring and fall, migrating geese, ducks and swans frame the Oregon sky. Black bears, mountain lions and bobcats, also find homes in the surrounding area.
Drake Peak Lookout Reviews
Have you stayed here? Be the first to leave a review!
Top Spots in or near Lakeview
Soak in the Summer Lake Hot Springs
Paisley, Oregon
5.0
From Bend drive 32 miles south on Highway 97, through La Pine to Highway 31 (2 miles south of La Pine). Turn left (east) on Highway 31 and continue for 92 miles. Summer Lake Hot Springs is on the left side of the road at mile marker 92.This is a very rustic area, with old barns and farm equipment scattered around the property. There are even old streamline campers available to stay in. Other ac...
Drive the Steens Mountain Loop
Harney County, Oregon
5.0
Steens Mountain makes you feel like you are on top of the world. At nearly 10,000ft in elevation and not being well known, the Steens will make you to feel like you’re in a truly remote place. It offers a great view of the sunset and if you stay at night will offer the one best stargazing in all of the U.S. as Steens Mountain claims the darkest skies in all of the lower 48 states. It takes abou...
Soak in Bog Hot Springs
Humboldt County, NevadaTucked away in a remote corner of northwest Nevada on the Oregon border, Bog Hot Springs is perhaps the ideal of the Nevada Hot Springs experience: public land, no amenities, minimal-to-no-development, an abundance of wildlife, and solitude almost year round (hunting season excepted).
The Hot Spring itself is actually a creek that has been damn in a series of pools, with the hot springs themsel...
Crack-in-the-Ground Trail
Silver Lake, Oregon
5.0
1.59 mi
/ 131 ft gain
Crack-in-the-Ground Trail is a loop trail that takes you past scenic surroundings located near Christmas Valley, Oregon.
Hike Gillem's Bluff Trail in Lava Beds National Monument
Tulelake, California
4.5
1.5 mi
/ 393 ft gain
Start from the parking lot just past the entrance booth at the Lava Beds National Monument. It is a straight forward hike up to the top of the bluff about .75 miles. Great views of the lava flows and surrounding mountains. It is a great place to view the sunset behind Mt. Shasta from the top.
Descend Into Skull Cave of the Lava Beds National Monument
Tulelake, California
4.5
0.1 mi
/ -328.1 ft gain
Once you reach the Lava Beds National Monument stop by the visitors center to pay your fees, grab a map, and empty your bladder. From there you will drive your car up the road from the visitors center to Skull Cave.The visitors center will give you map and answer any questions you have. From the visitors center you will exit and take slight right turn and then a left at the stop sign. Skull Cav...
Camping and Lodging in Lakeview
Paisley, Oregon
Bald Butte Lookout
Overview
Bald Butte Lookout is perched atop the windy summit of Bald Butte in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in south-central Oregon....
Summer Lake, Oregon
Currier Guard Station
Overview
Historic Currier Guard Station is nestled in a scattering of fir, pine and aspen, providing an ideal setting for guests seeking ...
Summer Lake, Oregon
Fremont Point Cabin
Overview
Fremont Point Cabin is located on top of the Winter Rim in North Central Lake County, Oregon. The newly constructed cabin, which...
Silver Lake, Oregon
Hager Mountain Lookout
Overview
Hager Mountain Lookout sits at an elevation of 7,195 feet, offering guests spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area. ...
Unfortunately, we don't have up-to date pricing data for this listing, but you can check pricing through Recreation Gov.
Book NowAdd your business today to reach The Outbound's audience of adventurous travelers.
Community
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy