Top 12 'Glass-Walled' Forest Fire Lookouts to stay at Above the Treetops in 2025
Imagine waking up, not to an alarm, but to the soft, golden light of dawn painting the peaks of a distant mountain range. You’re not in a hotel room; you’re floating in a glass-walled box, suspended above a sea of evergreen treetops. The world below is silent, save for the whisper of the wind. This isn’t a dream—it’s a night spent in a historic forest fire lookout.
For nearly a century, these rustic towers were the lonely outposts for sentinels of the forest, dedicated individuals who scanned the horizon for the first wisps of smoke. With the advent of modern technology, many of these lookouts fell into disuse. But today, they’re being given a second life as some of the most unique and sought-after travel accommodations in the world. They offer a rare opportunity to disconnect from the noise of daily life and reconnect with the raw, unfiltered beauty of nature.
For travelers planning their 2025 adventures, a fire lookout stay is more than just a place to sleep. It's an immersive experience that combines history, solitude, and breathtaking panoramic views. It’s a type of mindful, minimalist travel that I, Goh Ling Yong, have always championed—one that prioritizes experience over excess. Ready to elevate your next vacation? Here are the top 12 'glass-walled' forest fire lookouts to book for an unforgettable stay above the treetops.
1. Heybrook Lookout, Washington
Perched precariously on a rock outcrop in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Heybrook Lookout is the quintessential Pacific Northwest escape. The 67-foot tower offers jaw-dropping, unobstructed views of Mount Index, Mount Baring, and the surrounding jagged peaks of the Cascade Range. The reward for climbing the 89 steps to the top is a cozy, 14x14-foot cabin completely surrounded by windows, making you feel like you’re living in the sky.
The interior is rustic yet functional, equipped with a bed, a propane stove for cooking, and a table for watching the weather roll in. There’s no electricity or running water, which is a core part of the authentic lookout experience. You’ll need to pack in your own water, food, and sleeping bags. The charm of Heybrook lies in its simplicity; days are spent reading, watching clouds drift by, and feeling a profound sense of peace.
Pro Tip: Heybrook is one of the more accessible lookouts (the hike is only one mile, though steep), making it extremely popular. Bookings on Recreation.gov are released in batches and get snatched up within seconds. Be logged in, have your dates ready, and be prepared to click fast the moment they become available.
2. Evergreen Mountain Lookout, Washington
If you’re seeking true solitude and are willing to work for it, Evergreen Mountain Lookout is your destination. Located deep within the Wild Sky Wilderness, this lookout requires a challenging 1.5-mile hike with a steep 1,300-foot elevation gain. The trail itself is an adventure, but the payoff is one of the most spectacular 360-degree vistas in the state, featuring Glacier Peak, Mount Rainier, and an endless sea of wild, untouched mountains.
The 1935-built L-4 cab has been lovingly restored and offers basic shelter with a twin bed and a small desk. Like most lookouts, it’s a pack-it-in, pack-it-out affair. The real luxury here is the isolation and the sheer scale of the landscape. Sunsets and sunrises at 5,587 feet are nothing short of a religious experience, and the stargazing on a clear night is so brilliant it feels surreal.
Pro Tip: The access road to the trailhead can be rough and is often impassable until mid-summer due to snow. A high-clearance, 4WD vehicle is highly recommended. Always check the latest road and trail conditions with the Skykomish Ranger District before you go.
3. Fivemile Butte Lookout, Oregon
For a lookout experience with a few more creature comforts, head to Fivemile Butte in the Mount Hood National Forest. What sets this destination apart is that you can often drive right up to the base of the tower in the summer and fall, making it accessible to a wider range of adventurers. The 40-foot tower overlooks a dense forest with a stunning view of Mount Hood’s majestic, snow-capped peak.
The cabin is better equipped than many of its counterparts, featuring a propane fridge, stove, heater, and lights, which adds a touch of comfort to the rustic setting. It's a fantastic spot for a romantic getaway or a small family adventure. During the day, you can explore nearby hiking trails; by night, you can cook a warm meal and watch the alpenglow fade from Mount Hood's slopes.
Pro Tip: In the winter, Fivemile Butte transforms into a ski-in destination, requiring a 3-mile trek on skis or snowshoes. This offers a completely different, magical experience for those equipped for winter camping and travel.
4. Gird Point Lookout, Montana
Welcome to Big Sky Country. Gird Point Lookout, situated in the Bitterroot National Forest, offers expansive views that live up to Montana's nickname. From your perch at 7,660 feet, you can see across the Bitterroot Valley and into the rugged Sapphire and Bitterroot Mountain Ranges. Accessible by a high-clearance vehicle, this lookout provides an epic mountain experience without a grueling hike.
The L-4 cabin is spacious and comes with beds, a wood stove for heat, and basic cooking supplies. The large windows on all four sides ensure you never miss a moment of the changing light. It’s an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area, known for its wildlife viewing opportunities—keep an eye out for elk, deer, and maybe even a black bear in the meadows below.
Pro Tip: The weather in the Rockies can change in an instant. Even in summer, be prepared for cold nights, high winds, and potential thunderstorms. Pack warm layers and check the forecast diligently before and during your stay.
5. Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, Wyoming
Standing at a staggering 10,003 feet in elevation, the Spruce Mountain Lookout is the highest rentable lookout in Wyoming and offers a truly top-of-the-world feeling. Located in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, the 55-foot tower provides a panoramic vista that includes rolling forests, alpine meadows, and the distant Snowy Range.
The journey to the lookout is part of the adventure, involving a drive on forest service roads followed by a short half-mile hike. The cabin itself is a cozy sanctuary against the elements, outfitted with two beds and a propane stove. The altitude means cooler temperatures and crystalline air, making the night sky unbelievably clear. The Milky Way feels so close you could almost reach out and touch it.
Pro Tip: Acclimatize to the high elevation before your stay, especially if you're coming from sea level. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and take it easy on your first day to avoid altitude sickness.
6. Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower, Colorado
Offering a unique piece of history in the San Juan National Forest, the Jersey Jim Lookout is a restored 1940s tower maintained by a passionate non-profit organization. At an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet, it provides stunning views of the La Plata Mountains and the mesas of Mesa Verde National Park.
The booking process is unique—reservations are made directly through the Jersey Jim Foundation via a lottery or direct booking system, not Recreation.gov. The cabin is well-maintained and feels like a step back in time, with vintage details preserved. It’s an incredible place to learn about the history of the Forest Service while experiencing the profound beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
Pro Tip: The foundation hosts open houses on certain summer weekends. If you can’t secure an overnight stay, it's still worth a visit to climb the tower, take in the views, and chat with the volunteer hosts about the lookout's history.
7. Black Mountain Lookout, California
Escape to the Plumas National Forest and discover the Black Mountain Lookout, a charming 1934-era cabin with incredible views of the northern Sierra Nevada. This is a drive-up lookout, making it a great option for those who want the vista without the vigorous trek. The wraparound catwalk is the perfect place for your morning coffee as you watch the sun rise over Honey Lake and the surrounding peaks.
The cabin is equipped with beds, a propane stove, and an oven, offering more amenities than many other rustic lookouts. The area is rich with history from the gold rush era, and nearby trails invite exploration. It’s a peaceful retreat that showcases a different side of California’s vast and varied landscape.
Pro Tip: While it's a drive-up location, the last few miles are on a steep, winding gravel road. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended, and trailers are not advised.
8. Acker Rock Lookout, Oregon
For the true thrill-seeker, Acker Rock is an unforgettable destination. This lookout is dramatically perched atop a massive rock formation in the Umpqua National Forest. While the hike is less than a mile long, it's very steep and includes climbing a final series of staircases bolted directly to the rock face. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the reward is a feeling of living on the edge of the world.
The small, rustic cabin offers 360-degree views that are simply breathtaking. You'll look down on a blanket of forest and out towards the peaks of the Southern Cascades. The exposure and isolation are profound. Watching a thunderstorm roll in from the safety of this eagle’s nest is an experience that will stay with you forever. As an avid hiker, I believe the effort required to reach destinations like this one is what makes the experience so deeply rewarding.
Pro Tip: Due to its exposed location, this is not a place to be during a lightning storm. Pay extremely close attention to the weather forecast. You must also pack in all your water, as there is no source at the lookout.
9. Summit Prairie, Oregon
While not a historic Forest Service lookout, Summit Prairie deserves a spot on this list as the ultimate "lookout-style" experience. This private rental is a stunning, modern re-creation of a classic L-4 lookout, built with love and incredible craftsmanship on 160 acres of private meadowland. It combines the rustic, off-grid ethos with thoughtful, comfortable design.
The cabin is surrounded by glass and features a cozy wood stove, a comfortable bed, and a fully functional (and beautiful) kitchen. Outside, you’ll find a wood-fired spring-fed hot tub, perfect for soaking under the stars. It's the idealized version of lookout living, offering solitude and immense beauty without sacrificing comfort.
Pro Tip: Summit Prairie is famously difficult to book, with a lottery system for a very limited number of stays each year. Follow their website and social media closely for announcements on when the lottery opens—and have your lucky charms ready.
10. Oak Flat Lookout, California
Located in the Greenhorn Mountains within the Sequoia National Forest, Oak Flat offers a unique Southern Sierra perspective. What makes this lookout special is its two-story design. The ground floor serves as a storage and utility area, while the upper-level glass-walled observation cab is your living space.
This lookout is accessible by car and provides sweeping views of the San Joaquin Valley on one side and the Kern River Canyon on the other. It’s a fantastic home base for exploring the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The cabin is rustic, so come prepared with all your essentials, but the convenience of driving up makes it an easy weekend getaway.
Pro Tip: This area can get very hot in the summer. Plan your visit for the spring or fall for more pleasant temperatures and a different color palette on the landscape.
11. Medicine Point Lookout, Montana
Step back in time at the historic Medicine Point Lookout in the Bitterroot National Forest. Unlike the more common L-4 "cab-on-stilts" design, Medicine Point is a charming D-6 cupola cabin built in the 1930s with log walls and a central glass cupola for 360-degree fire spotting. It sits on the ground, offering a more grounded, cabin-in-the-woods feel, but its ridgetop location still provides spectacular views.
The lookout is rustic, with a wood stove for heat and cooking, but it’s full of character. It’s accessible via a moderately challenging 2-mile hike, which helps preserve its sense of peaceful seclusion. It’s a perfect choice for those who love history and want to experience a different style of historic forest lookout.
Pro Tip: Bring a good saw for cutting firewood, which is plentiful in the surrounding area. A warm fire in the wood stove is the heart of the cozy, historic experience here, especially on chilly mountain nights.
12. Hickman's Cabin (Thorny Mountain Fire Tower), West Virginia
Proving that the lookout experience isn’t limited to the West, Thorny Mountain Fire Tower in West Virginia’s Seneca State Forest offers an East Coast alternative. While you don't sleep in the tower's cab itself, you get the next best thing: a cozy, two-person cabin situated directly atop the 65-foot tower.
This unique setup means you get the incredible treetop views and the feeling of floating above the forest, but with the added comfort of a more traditional cabin structure. It's equipped with bunk beds and a wood stove, offering a rustic but comfortable stay. The 360-degree catwalk provides a stunning platform for watching sunrises over the rolling Appalachian Mountains.
Pro Tip: Bookings for this popular spot are handled through the West Virginia State Parks system and can fill up a year in advance. Plan far ahead if you want to snag a weekend during the spectacular fall foliage season.
Your Adventure Awaits
Staying in a forest fire lookout is more than a novelty; it’s an invitation to slow down, to observe, and to find beauty in simplicity. It’s a chance to trade screen time for sunset-watching and to swap city noise for the sound of the wind in the pines. The destinations on this list offer a portal to that experience, each with its own unique character and breathtaking perspective.
As you plan your travels for 2025, consider looking up—way up. The key to securing one of these incredible stays is planning, persistence, and a little bit of luck. Most are booked six months to a year in advance, so start your research now.
Have you ever stayed in a fire lookout or a similar treetop retreat? Share your story or your dream lookout destination in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!