Pechuck Lookout

In the early 20th century, a growing concern for fire protection in forested areas resulted in the construction of lookouts with wide views throughout the Pacific Northwest. Located on the Table Rock Trail, within the BLM Northwest Oregon District boundary, the Pechuck Lookout was established in 1918, at an elevation of 4,338 feet. Originally, the lookout consisted only of a primitive fire detection rangefinder; and some years later, in the early 1930s, a small stone and wood cabin was built.

The Pechuck Lookout, also known as a cupola, was built by John Oblack, a Czechoslovakian from Molalla with help from an unknown stone mason from Portland. The cupola-type lookout was built primarily with native stone from sources nearby and the lower story served as the living quarters for hearty individuals staffing the fire lookout. The upper story has windows on all four sides and provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.

Until 1932, the only access to the lookout site was by way of the Table Rock Trail through what is now Table Rock Wilderness. Increased use of fire detection aircraft and improved road systems reduced the need for fire lookouts, and in 1964, it was determined that Pechuck was no longer needed as part of a fire suppression system. Know Before You Go: The Pechuck Lookout is open to the public for visitation and overnight use on a first-come, first-served basis.

The most scenic route to the lookout is from the Rooster Rock Trailhead on the southeast corner of the Table Rock Wilderness. This is a long, difficult, but scenic hike through old growth forest and pristine wilderness. The lookout is just outside the wilderness boundary.

Good orientation skills, with a good map, are required to successfully complete this trip. It is also possible to walk up the long, steep, closed fire road from South Molalla River Road. On a clear day, nearby Rooster Rock boasts incredible views of Table Rock and Mount Jefferson.