Acker Rock Lookout

 

After over five years of trying to book this lookout, it finally happened. I stayed for two nights, and it was a wonderful experience. Perched atop a rocky cliff in the Umpqua National Forest, Acker Rock Lookout offers spectacular panoramic views of the South Umpqua watershed in southwest Oregon. The lookout is still used for active fire detection today, and it was originally placed on the cliff by helicopter in the 1960s. Back then, there were more than a dozen lookouts on the Tiller Ranger District, but today only Acker Rock and Pickett Butte remain.

The first night and morning brought some rain, which made the weather cool and refreshing. I spent a lot of time reading and took a short hike back down to the car to refill our water supply. The fridge in the lookout was broken, so I had to haul up my little Yeti 20, but it wasn’t too difficult. I wish there had been more space for outdoor activities, but that was a minor issue. I brought my yoga mat but didn’t end up using it. Wilder did great in his little backpack - don’t worry, it wasn’t heavy at all; it was mostly for aesthetics.

We had one group of visitors arrive on Saturday late morning. They were mostly fine, but I could overhear the woman being a little snotty while her husband reminded her not to escalate the situation. She seemed unhappy that people were in the lookout and couldn’t get close to look inside. They didn’t stay long, maybe about 30 minutes, and after they left, we had peace and quiet again.

Getting to the lookout requires a moderately steep 0.5-mile hike along a forested trail, so visitors should be prepared to carry their own supplies. High clearance all-terrain vehicles are recommended for reaching the trailhead, and the lookout is generally available for reservation from August 1 through November 15, depending on snow. It is not rented during winter months due to wind and snow weight restrictions on the building.

Overall, the stay was memorable. Between the stunning views, quiet moments, and unique setting, Acker Rock Lookout offers an experience unlike any other in the Umpqua National Forest.