Warner Mountain Lookout

Warner Mountain Lookout sits on a forested ridge tucked away in the Willamette National Forest. It's a unique cupola style fire lookout that was re-built from parts salvaged off the old Grass Mountain lookout in the late eighties. The tower is working fire lookout complete with staff throughout the summer and rented out as a quaint cabin in the snowy months. From the ground, the tower is full of photogenic features. You can get in close under the legs and shoot straight up the stairs to the cab, or step back into the trees and set it against open sky. In winter, snow and ice change the whole scene making it feel stark and moody. The ridge crest opens up over the forest giving amazing panoramic views that work well for both sunrise and sunset. Plus the elevation gives you dark skies if you want to experiment with astrophotography. The tower has the wider view over the entire area, but you can only access it as a paying guest in the winter or if the staff lets you during the summer. Getting there can be a challenge. In summer you can drive along the gravel forest roads most of the way, then park at a gate and walk the last stretch to the base. In the winter the forest roads aren't plowed, so reaching the lookout means cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or a snowmobile trip. Staying up there in the winter is an all day back country adventure. There are fees to stay the night and the tower stays locked unless you've booked it so make sure to plan your winter photography adventures in advance and keep an eye on the weather. (Eugene, Oregon, United States)