Two Women's Experience of Renting the Clearwater Lookout Cabin in the Wood During a Rare Planetary Alignment
Hi everyone, welcome! I want to share with you a very special experience that I had with my daughter last year. We decided to take a break from our high stress healthcare jobs, and I started planning a nature getaway. What better way to experience the planetary alignment that was coming up in June of 2022 than to spend the night on a mountain in a cabin in the woods in the Blues. So, we set out for the Clearwater Lookout Cabin in the beautiful Umatilla National Forest. We only had one night to spare and couldn't wait to get to a place where we could focus on the Holy Spirit & reconnect with nature and each other.
We arrived on Thursday early afternoon, and we were quickly greeted by a very polite and friendly ranger, who assured us we would be safe and welcomed us warmly. Looking back, I'm pretty certain he had probably come to monitor the traffic from the loggers on the mountain rather than to welcome us upon arrival, but it was nice none the same. The tiny cabin had everything we needed: a full kitchen, several rustic bunk beds and a stunning view in any direction we looked and as far as we could see.
We stretched our legs on a hike before unloading the car, enjoying the fresh air and we tried to take in as many views of the mountain and the yellow blossoms as we could. Our pup, Lakota, was happy to run free after the aggressively bumpy forest road on the way up. It was a perfectly lovely day in the Blue Mountains.
The highlight of our trip was seeing the 'planet parade' align in the sky, saying goodbye with an unbelievable show until it's return again in 2040. It was a breathtaking sight that we will never forget. We saw Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto all lined up in a row, forming a beautiful arc across the horizon. (Which of course I couldn't capture with my iPhone.) We were aware we were witnessing a rare & sacred cosmic event that connected us with the universe and other fellow kindred-spirits who were catching a glimpse with us.
This ranger cabin is located in the Pomeroy Ranger District. This district is one of my personal favorites and covers an area of about 311,000 acres. The recreational opportunities here are pretty much as endless as your imagination, i.e., hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, snowmobiling, etc. It is also in charge of managing the habitat for several endangered, i.e. the Canada lynx, the gray wolf, and the bull trout.
If you're looking for a cozy adventure in the woods, the Clearwater Lookout Cabin in the Umatilla National Forest is a great option. As of the publishing of this post, the price is very reasonable at only $50 per night. Here are some things to bring and watch for when you stay at the cabin:
Sleeping bags and/or bedding: The cabin has four single beds, but does not provide any bedding, pillows, or good mattresses.
Cooking and eating utensils: The cabin has a propane stove/oven, a propane refrigerator, and some cookware, dishes, and utensils.
Water: There is no water on site, so visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. You should also bring a water filter or purification tablets if you plan to use water from nearby sources.
Cleaning supplies: You should leave the cabin better than you found it, so bring your own bio-degradable dish soap, sponge, paper towels, trash bags, etc. You will also want to bring your own towels, toilet paper, and any personal hygiene products.
Flashlight: The cabin has propane lights, but you should bring a flashlight or lantern for backup or extra lighting. You might also bring extra batteries or fuel for those items.
First aid kit: You'll want to bring a first aid kit with basic supplies, such as bandages, gauze, antiseptic, painkillers, etc. You may also want to bring any prescription medications, an EpiPen, an inhaler, etc. The cabin is located in a remote area, so you'll want to be prepared for any emergencies.
The Pomeroy Ranger District is a great place to enjoy nature, but it also has some furry and scaly residents that might not be so friendly. Here are some of the critters you should watch out for and how to deal with them:
- Bears: These guys come in one flavor: black. They would love to snack on your food, so keep it in a secure container or hang it from a tree. If you bump into a bear, don't panic or scream like a banshee, but slowly back away and talk to it like you would to your grandma.
- Cougars: These sneaky cats can pounce on you before you know it, so stay alert and keep kids and pets close by. If you face a cougar, don't turn your back or curl up like a ball, but make yourself look big and throw rocks or sticks. Or better yet, bring a friend who runs slower than you.
- Rattlesnakes: These slithery serpents can bite you with their venomous fangs, so watch your step and listen for their rattle. If you hear or see a rattlesnake, don't try to pet it or take a selfie with it, but move away quickly and quietly. And don't forget to check your boots before putting them on :)
We had such a wonderful time that we didn't want to leave the next morning. We felt refreshed and rejuvenated by our little time away. We also felt closer than ever as mother and daughter. We agree that this was one of the best things we ever did together, and as soon as I started writing this, we started planning our next mountain adventure. We can't wait to do it again soon.
With love & prayers to all my kindred gypsy spirits,
Deja View
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