Off the Grid and Forty Feet Up!
Tower in Tiller, Oregon
- 4 guests ·
- · 1 bedroom ·
- · 3 beds ·
- · 1 bath
Hosted by Dabney And Alan
- 14 years hosting
Listing highlights
Top 10% of homes
This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.
Your very own spa
Relax with the outdoor shower and jacuzzi.
Mountain and valley views
Guests say the views are spectacular.
THE SUMMIT PRAIRIE IS CLOSED INDEFINITELY AND IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT IT WILL BE OPEN FOR THE 2025 SEASON.
A major wildfire swept through our property on Sept 5, 2024. It did not burn the lookout but we lost both of our ground cabins, both outhouses, the hot tub and many of our trees.
Sign up for our Booking/Cancellation Notification List at the Booking Information Tab of our website, summitprairie... and we'll notify you if/when we can reopen in 2025 and beyond.
The space
Sign up for our Cancellation/Booking notification list by visiting the website, summitprairie... Or email us at summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine (starts with a G).
PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST A BOOKING UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO COME THOSE DATES. Check your time off from work, your friend's availability, flight schedule and costs, etc. Guests who cancel, even if it is within the 48 hour free cancellation period, are automatically removed from our Cancellation/Booking Notification List. Sorry, we continue to have a problem with this.
SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF...
We DO NOT charge a cleaning fee however we do pay someone to clean and prepare the space in between each guest.
As you can imagine, it is not easy nor inexpensive to find someone who will drive all the way to the middle of nowhere to clean and make the space ready for new guests. We ask that you help by washing, drying and putting away all dishes, stripping the beds and putting dirty laundry in the laundry bag and taking the trash to the trash cans.
WE REALIZE THIS MAY NOT BE EVERYONE'S IDEA OF A GREAT VACATION, SO PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE YOU BOOK.
We will be at the Summit Prairie for a few days each month to make sure everything is in order but at this point we have yet to pin down exactly when we'll be there. It will have a lot of do with who our guests are and what our personal schedule is like. More than likely we'll be there at the end of the month/beginning of the following month but again, those dates aren't set quite yet.
HOW OUR BOOKING PROCESS WORKS
OUR SPRING/EARLY SUMMER CALENDAR WILL OPEN IN EARLY MARCH. AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, WILL BE OPEN IN EARLY JUNE. We have a 4 night minimum, for a Thursday until Monday stay and a 3 night minimum for a Monday to Thursday stay. We do not offer any 1 or 2 night stays. Because of the September, 2024 fire, we are closed indefinitely. Sign up for our Booking Notification List and we'll notify you when we are able to reopen.
Sign up for our BOOKING/CANCELLATION NOTIFICATION LIST on the summitprairie website (or email us at summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine, starts with a G) and we'll send you an email reminding you of the exact booking dates and times.
PRIORITY BOOKING FOR LARGE GROUP EVENTS AND WEEK LONG STAYS
We also offer "Large Group Events" - prices start at $450 per night for up to 20 people (camping in tents) and an additional $10 per person up to 30 people. The same 3 night (Monday to Thursday) or 4 night (Thursday to Monday) minimums apply. We limit Large Group Events to 2 per month so contact us soon if you're interested.
If you're interested in a Week-Long Stay (Monday to Monday) please contact us so we can hold a week during the 2024 season for you. Once we start booking, there won't be any contiguous weeks available.
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
Our booking notification list has almost 2,000 names on it and is growing by the day. We can only take 65 reservations each season so please understand that not everyone will get a booking. Some guests try for several years before they are able to get a booking and realistically, some guests may never be able to get a booking.
When we open the calendar, we will have already booked our previous guests, our Week Long Stays and our Large Group Events so there probably will be only 15 or so available sets of dates. We will list the available dates on this site the day prior so guests know what dates will be available on the booking date.
Please don't request a booking for the dates open in 2027 - we won't book 2027 until early March of 2027. We only leave those dates open so we appear in searches and guests can contact us if they have questions. If you do request those dates, we will decline them - sorry!
Sign up for our Booking/Cancellation Notification list on the Booking Info tab of the summitprairie website or email us at summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine (starts with a G).
CANCELLATION POLICY
Once you book your dates, you won't be able to change them as we will be completely booked for the season. You also will not be able to change the number of nights but you can cancel your reservation and if we're able to rebook the dates, we will give you a full refund, less a $50 rebooking fee (this is less strict than the Airbnb strict cancellation policy of 50% refund up to 2 weeks prior to arrival and no refund 1 week prior to arrival).
PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST A BOOKING UNTIL YOU ARE CERTAIN THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO COME THOSE DATES. Check your time off from work, your friend's availability, flight schedule and costs, etc. Guests who cancel, even if it is within the 48 hour free cancellation period, are automatically removed from our Cancellation/Booking Notification List. Sorry, we've had a real problem with this!
TIPS FOR GETTING A BOOKING
1. We book our season at a specific date and time. Visit the summitprairie website and sign-up for our Booking Notification List or check back here in January, 2024 for the specific date and time.
2. We highly recommend that you book using the Airbnb website on a computer, not your cell phone.
3. Make sure your Airbnb profile is filled out completely including a clear photograph of yourself, your government ID, what city you are from and a little bit about yourself. Our intention is not to discriminate against anyone but when we see an incomplete profile we feel like a guest is trying to hide something. We've had guests that were able to secure dates only to lose them before confirmation because they didn't have their profile completed. That is an Airbnb requirement, we're not in control of that.
4. Have all of your credit card information completed on your profile and your ID verified. Booking will happen very quickly and you will not have time to add credit card or ID information when the calendar opens.
5. Refresh your browser frequently. The entire booking window lasts less than 10 seconds. Don't worry about sending us a message when you send us your booking request - someone else will grab the dates while you're typing your message! (you can just type fjfjfjfjfj) After the calendar appears full, continue to check back over the first 48 hours - guests frequently get overly excited when booking and dates that appear to have been booked end up opening up again. We will announce on the site when all dates are filled and booking is completed.
6. Be flexible on your dates. All of the weekend dates and many summer mid-week already have been booked by our previous guests, week long stays and Large Group Events so most of the dates available will be mid-week.
7. If you're unable to get a booking, visit the summitprairie website and click on Booking Information. Or send an email to summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine (starts with a G) and we'll add you to our Cancellation Notification List. We usually get 5 to 6 cancellations during the season and the sooner you get on the list, the more chances you will get to book.
8. Finally, we do know that it is extremely difficult to get a booking with us and a complete hassle so we are extremely appreciative of you guys that stick with us through this process!!
Thanks and we look forward to seeing you someday at the Summit Prairie!
----------------------------------------------------
Missing peace and quiet? Wishing for space to relax and renew? Here is your chance! Off the grid, atop a 40-acre meadow on 160 acres of private land. Surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County, Oregon.
Welcome to Summit Prairie!
Hear the wind give voice to the trees at the edge of the meadow.
Listen to the birds calling in the valley below.
Let the peace you feel here…. stay with you.
Your hosts, Alan and Dabney, will welcome you and orient you to all the wonders of this place, then leave you in peace so you can enjoy.
Built in Two Thousand Nine, the lookout tower is modeled after Fire Lookout Towers built by the US Forest Service in the early Nineteen Hundreds.
However, it's enhanced with modern essentials: a full kitchen featuring hot and cold running water, propane stove, refrigerator, heater and lamps, exterior shower, comfortable beds in the cupola and main floor with windows all around to let in summer breezes and breath-taking views.
And while simply chilling at Summit Prairie is oh-so-fine, think of this place also as a launch point for day trips to Crater Lake (2 hours), or Ashland, site of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (1.5 hours), or historic Jacksonville, site of the annual Britt Festival (1.5 hours), Rogue River Rafting (45 minutes), the South Umpqua Falls (45 minutes) or the Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville (1 hour).
Imagine! Kick back and relax, read a book, play a game (or three)… write in a journal, meditate… daydream in the hammocks down the hill… soak your cares away and relax in a secluded wood-fired, spring-fed hot tub… Even dance under the moon or sing to the stars.
Memories are made here.
Come to Summit Prairie...
Guest access
160 acres of private land, fire pit, wood-fired/spring-fed hot tub, vegetable garden, hammock tree and anywhere else you want to wander and explore. There are no "off-limits" places here...
Other things to note
As experienced Airbnb hosts, we want to make sure we describe the experience in as much detail as possible...
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER...
Location - We are located about 10 miles out of Tiller, Oregon with the last six miles on a one lane gravel forest service road which can take 20 to 30 minutes to drive. The road is currently in good condition and we've had small cars, such as a Prius or MG convertible make it up here with no problem at all. We will call you a couple of days prior to your arrival to talk you through how to get here, even though you will have the written directions in your reservation. If you get lost, you won't be able to call us because you won't have cell phone service. The signage on the road is not always good (sorry, we're not in control of that...) so we want to make sure you know exactly how to get here! Tiller is at 1,000' elevation and we are at 3,500' elevation so the weather up here is generally 10 degrees cooler than it is in Tiller.
Groceries - If you are coming from the north, the nearest grocery store and gas station is in Canyonville, OR (Ray's, 151 NE Main St., open 7 am - 10 pm) about an hour away.
If you are coming from the south or the east, in Shady Cove, OR (Shady Cove Market, 22111 Highway 62, open 7 am - 10 pm), about 45 minutes from the Summit Prairie.
You're probably better off shopping at a supermarket in an urban area because these grocery stores are expensive and have very limited selections.
Make sure you're full up with gas and food because there are no gas or grocery facilities once you leave either of those towns.
Bathroom facilities - We are off grid so the bathroom is a pit toilet (a nice one, we might add) that is about 100 feet from the base of the tower. We have a "pee pot" in the upstairs cupola sleeping area, a "pee funnel" off the side of the tower and an "emergency potty" outside on the deck. It's actually pretty civilized, all in all, but it's not like having a flush toilet just a few steps away. The hot shower is outside on the deck - in front of God and everyone, but then, there isn't anyone else here!
Be aware that the lookout is one big room, so "private space" for changing clothes or showering is minimal!
The tower is 40 feet high, accessed only by four flights of stairs - there is no elevator! And, while there are landings for each set of stairs (to admire the view, and catch your breath!), everything must be carried up!
Spring water is pumped upstairs by a solar-powered pump from the a collection tank a few hundred feet from the tower. The water is tested as safe. We have been drinking it ourselves for years, but if you're squeamish about drinking untreated water, you might want to bring bottled drinking water.
Fire Season - During the summer forest fires are possible in the area. That could restrict campfires and use of the hot tub and it could result in smoky air. We will let you know immediately if there are fires. If smoke or fire in the immediate area of the Summit Prairie poses a threat to health or safety, you may cancel your reservation with no penalty. In 2020, fire season ran from mid July through late September.
Please note that we do not have a television, clock or mirror and we have no WiFi access!
WHAT TO BRING
As one of our guests pointed out, all guests need to bring are their clothes and groceries. There is a full grocery store in Canyonville (about an hour away at exit 99 off I-5) and in Shady Cove (about 45 minutes away and over the Rogue/Umpqua Divide Pass...). There are also several restaurants in Canyonville and in Shady Cove.
The upstairs cupola sleeping area has a queen size Tempurpedic mattress and is accessed by a ladder which can be tricky and requires being steady on your feet. On the main level are two twin size beds, on either side of the room. Linens are provided for both twin beds and the upstairs queen-size bed along with towels and washcloths for up to four people.
Additional people (over the first 4) are welcome to either sleep on the floor, out on the deck or in a tent in the meadow. They will need to bring their own tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, towels, tableware, etc. There is an additional charge of $10 per person per night for guests over the first 4.
We have all the pots, pans, utensils and small appliances that you will need to cook, but no microwave or dishwasher. We have basic spices and condiments so feel free to use what we have. We have a saying - "just because you're off-grid does not mean you have to eat bad food!"
We have a small under-counter propane-powered refrigerator with a freezer compartment. It has limited cooling capacity during hot weather so consider bringing a cooler and ice if you're bringing a lot of food items that need to be kept cool.
We have picnic tables and fire pit at the base of the tower.
Environment - We are located deep within the Umpqua National Forest so there are wild animals that roam freely in the area - deer, elk, bear, cougar, coyote, bobcats, skunks, mice, lizards etc. There are also insects on the ground, in the air and sometimes in the cabin. We don't find insects to be a problem, but have a few temporary window screens if you wish to use them. Poison oak is native here which we do our best to keep it under control and out of areas where you might come in contact with it. However, we do have Tecnu wash if you get a rash from Poison Oak.
Pets - We DO NOT allow our guests to bring pets - no exceptions, so please don't ask - not even for a deposit or additional fee. We fully realize this means that some guests will choose not to visit us.
Children - This property is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
Cell phone service - Verizon, US Cellular, AT&T and T-Mobile work at the Summit Prairie. Sprint does not. We're not sure about other carriers. We have Verizon service and a personal WiFi hotspot on our phones in case of an emergency.
Electricity - We do have a small solar-powered electrical system is used to for some lighting and charging cell phones and small computers. It can only handle 300 watts and it cannot handle any appliance with a heating element - hair dryer, coffee maker, etc. (we have a French press you can use). We are diligent about conserving electricity, especially if we have several days of cloudy weather.
The nearest hospital/emergency medical facility is in Medford, a little over an hour away or in Roseburg, about an hour and a half away.
WEATHER AT THE SUMMIT PRAIRIE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
April/May - The meadow is in peak bloom, carpeted with waves of wildflowers, beginning with low-growing buttercups, then Oregon Sunshine and purple larkspur later in the month. Deer and elk graze in the meadow almost every evening and early morning. As the sun sets in the evening, you'll hear the frogs down in the valley singing their hearts out. It is Spring, however, and the chance of rain remains high. Temperatures are usually in the mid-60's during the day and low 40's at night. We've had snow as late as Memorial Day (in the US, it's usually the last weekend in May), though that is rare.
June - The meadow continues to bloom, the grasses get tall, and the deer continue to graze in the meadow. Birds can be seen and heard, especially early in the morning. Usually we see purple finches and juncos at our feeder. We still have a good chance of rain, but temperatures are a bit warmer, into the mid-70's during the day.
July - Probably the best all-round weather month - rain tapers off and the skies become perfect for stargazing at night. The wildflowers begin to fade, the grasses begin to turn amber, and the deer move on to other places to graze. It's also the season of thunderstorms, which can be dramatic to watch in the late afternoon.
August - The best star gazing month of the year! The meadow becomes very dry, the grasses drop all pretense of being green, and temperatures rise into the 90's during the day. Evenings are usually warm enough to stay up until the wee hours watching the Perseid meteor showers. Forest fires can occur in the area which can make the air hazy and sometimes smell smokey. Some years we may have to close if forest fires come too close. Grasshoppers can overtake the meadow on some days.
September - The meadow starts to become golden. Even the sunlight takes on a golden hue. Temperatures top out in the 80's and the air is dry with a hint of cool in the evening. On one level it can be the quietest time of year. Forest fires can still be a problem to be alert to. Grasshoppers can overtake the meadow on some days, but they never come up to the lookout tower.
October/November - Fall is in the air. Harvest time is here. The farmers markets are full of good produce. Temperatures cool off, and moisture rises, which can mean waking up to fog in the air and leaves dripping softly in the woods. Nighttime can be chilly, perfect for steaming drinks and a cozy blanket. If there have been forest fires, they have subsided. Deer hunting season begins in early October, so you may also hear the sound of baying dogs and gunshots in the area.
OTHER POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES
Sip cocktails and watch the sunset from the deck of the lookout
Sit around the campfire and tell ghost stories
Read a book in a secluded spot
Hike in and swim at the very secluded Fish Lake in the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness (about an 1.5 hour drive)
Kayak or canoe on Lost Creek Lake (about an hour drive)
Star gaze
Be creative! It's a big space...
A major wildfire swept through our property on Sept 5, 2024. It did not burn the lookout but we lost both of our ground cabins, both outhouses, the hot tub and many of our trees.
Sign up for our Booking/Cancellation Notification List at the Booking Information Tab of our website, summitprairie... and we'll notify you if/when we can reopen in 2025 and beyond.
The space
Sign up for our Cancellation/Booking notification list by visiting the website, summitprairie... Or email us at summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine (starts with a G).
PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST A BOOKING UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO COME THOSE DATES. Check your time off from work, your friend's availability, flight schedule and costs, etc. Guests who cancel, even if it is within the 48 hour free cancellation period, are automatically removed from our Cancellation/Booking Notification List. Sorry, we continue to have a problem with this.
SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF...
We DO NOT charge a cleaning fee however we do pay someone to clean and prepare the space in between each guest.
As you can imagine, it is not easy nor inexpensive to find someone who will drive all the way to the middle of nowhere to clean and make the space ready for new guests. We ask that you help by washing, drying and putting away all dishes, stripping the beds and putting dirty laundry in the laundry bag and taking the trash to the trash cans.
WE REALIZE THIS MAY NOT BE EVERYONE'S IDEA OF A GREAT VACATION, SO PLEASE TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE YOU BOOK.
We will be at the Summit Prairie for a few days each month to make sure everything is in order but at this point we have yet to pin down exactly when we'll be there. It will have a lot of do with who our guests are and what our personal schedule is like. More than likely we'll be there at the end of the month/beginning of the following month but again, those dates aren't set quite yet.
HOW OUR BOOKING PROCESS WORKS
OUR SPRING/EARLY SUMMER CALENDAR WILL OPEN IN EARLY MARCH. AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, WILL BE OPEN IN EARLY JUNE. We have a 4 night minimum, for a Thursday until Monday stay and a 3 night minimum for a Monday to Thursday stay. We do not offer any 1 or 2 night stays. Because of the September, 2024 fire, we are closed indefinitely. Sign up for our Booking Notification List and we'll notify you when we are able to reopen.
Sign up for our BOOKING/CANCELLATION NOTIFICATION LIST on the summitprairie website (or email us at summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine, starts with a G) and we'll send you an email reminding you of the exact booking dates and times.
PRIORITY BOOKING FOR LARGE GROUP EVENTS AND WEEK LONG STAYS
We also offer "Large Group Events" - prices start at $450 per night for up to 20 people (camping in tents) and an additional $10 per person up to 30 people. The same 3 night (Monday to Thursday) or 4 night (Thursday to Monday) minimums apply. We limit Large Group Events to 2 per month so contact us soon if you're interested.
If you're interested in a Week-Long Stay (Monday to Monday) please contact us so we can hold a week during the 2024 season for you. Once we start booking, there won't be any contiguous weeks available.
MANAGING EXPECTATIONS
Our booking notification list has almost 2,000 names on it and is growing by the day. We can only take 65 reservations each season so please understand that not everyone will get a booking. Some guests try for several years before they are able to get a booking and realistically, some guests may never be able to get a booking.
When we open the calendar, we will have already booked our previous guests, our Week Long Stays and our Large Group Events so there probably will be only 15 or so available sets of dates. We will list the available dates on this site the day prior so guests know what dates will be available on the booking date.
Please don't request a booking for the dates open in 2027 - we won't book 2027 until early March of 2027. We only leave those dates open so we appear in searches and guests can contact us if they have questions. If you do request those dates, we will decline them - sorry!
Sign up for our Booking/Cancellation Notification list on the Booking Info tab of the summitprairie website or email us at summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine (starts with a G).
CANCELLATION POLICY
Once you book your dates, you won't be able to change them as we will be completely booked for the season. You also will not be able to change the number of nights but you can cancel your reservation and if we're able to rebook the dates, we will give you a full refund, less a $50 rebooking fee (this is less strict than the Airbnb strict cancellation policy of 50% refund up to 2 weeks prior to arrival and no refund 1 week prior to arrival).
PLEASE DO NOT REQUEST A BOOKING UNTIL YOU ARE CERTAIN THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO COME THOSE DATES. Check your time off from work, your friend's availability, flight schedule and costs, etc. Guests who cancel, even if it is within the 48 hour free cancellation period, are automatically removed from our Cancellation/Booking Notification List. Sorry, we've had a real problem with this!
TIPS FOR GETTING A BOOKING
1. We book our season at a specific date and time. Visit the summitprairie website and sign-up for our Booking Notification List or check back here in January, 2024 for the specific date and time.
2. We highly recommend that you book using the Airbnb website on a computer, not your cell phone.
3. Make sure your Airbnb profile is filled out completely including a clear photograph of yourself, your government ID, what city you are from and a little bit about yourself. Our intention is not to discriminate against anyone but when we see an incomplete profile we feel like a guest is trying to hide something. We've had guests that were able to secure dates only to lose them before confirmation because they didn't have their profile completed. That is an Airbnb requirement, we're not in control of that.
4. Have all of your credit card information completed on your profile and your ID verified. Booking will happen very quickly and you will not have time to add credit card or ID information when the calendar opens.
5. Refresh your browser frequently. The entire booking window lasts less than 10 seconds. Don't worry about sending us a message when you send us your booking request - someone else will grab the dates while you're typing your message! (you can just type fjfjfjfjfj) After the calendar appears full, continue to check back over the first 48 hours - guests frequently get overly excited when booking and dates that appear to have been booked end up opening up again. We will announce on the site when all dates are filled and booking is completed.
6. Be flexible on your dates. All of the weekend dates and many summer mid-week already have been booked by our previous guests, week long stays and Large Group Events so most of the dates available will be mid-week.
7. If you're unable to get a booking, visit the summitprairie website and click on Booking Information. Or send an email to summitprairie at the email of the world's most popular search engine (starts with a G) and we'll add you to our Cancellation Notification List. We usually get 5 to 6 cancellations during the season and the sooner you get on the list, the more chances you will get to book.
8. Finally, we do know that it is extremely difficult to get a booking with us and a complete hassle so we are extremely appreciative of you guys that stick with us through this process!!
Thanks and we look forward to seeing you someday at the Summit Prairie!
----------------------------------------------------
Missing peace and quiet? Wishing for space to relax and renew? Here is your chance! Off the grid, atop a 40-acre meadow on 160 acres of private land. Surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County, Oregon.
Welcome to Summit Prairie!
Hear the wind give voice to the trees at the edge of the meadow.
Listen to the birds calling in the valley below.
Let the peace you feel here…. stay with you.
Your hosts, Alan and Dabney, will welcome you and orient you to all the wonders of this place, then leave you in peace so you can enjoy.
Built in Two Thousand Nine, the lookout tower is modeled after Fire Lookout Towers built by the US Forest Service in the early Nineteen Hundreds.
However, it's enhanced with modern essentials: a full kitchen featuring hot and cold running water, propane stove, refrigerator, heater and lamps, exterior shower, comfortable beds in the cupola and main floor with windows all around to let in summer breezes and breath-taking views.
And while simply chilling at Summit Prairie is oh-so-fine, think of this place also as a launch point for day trips to Crater Lake (2 hours), or Ashland, site of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (1.5 hours), or historic Jacksonville, site of the annual Britt Festival (1.5 hours), Rogue River Rafting (45 minutes), the South Umpqua Falls (45 minutes) or the Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville (1 hour).
Imagine! Kick back and relax, read a book, play a game (or three)… write in a journal, meditate… daydream in the hammocks down the hill… soak your cares away and relax in a secluded wood-fired, spring-fed hot tub… Even dance under the moon or sing to the stars.
Memories are made here.
Come to Summit Prairie...
Guest access
160 acres of private land, fire pit, wood-fired/spring-fed hot tub, vegetable garden, hammock tree and anywhere else you want to wander and explore. There are no "off-limits" places here...
Other things to note
As experienced Airbnb hosts, we want to make sure we describe the experience in as much detail as possible...
SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER...
Location - We are located about 10 miles out of Tiller, Oregon with the last six miles on a one lane gravel forest service road which can take 20 to 30 minutes to drive. The road is currently in good condition and we've had small cars, such as a Prius or MG convertible make it up here with no problem at all. We will call you a couple of days prior to your arrival to talk you through how to get here, even though you will have the written directions in your reservation. If you get lost, you won't be able to call us because you won't have cell phone service. The signage on the road is not always good (sorry, we're not in control of that...) so we want to make sure you know exactly how to get here! Tiller is at 1,000' elevation and we are at 3,500' elevation so the weather up here is generally 10 degrees cooler than it is in Tiller.
Groceries - If you are coming from the north, the nearest grocery store and gas station is in Canyonville, OR (Ray's, 151 NE Main St., open 7 am - 10 pm) about an hour away.
If you are coming from the south or the east, in Shady Cove, OR (Shady Cove Market, 22111 Highway 62, open 7 am - 10 pm), about 45 minutes from the Summit Prairie.
You're probably better off shopping at a supermarket in an urban area because these grocery stores are expensive and have very limited selections.
Make sure you're full up with gas and food because there are no gas or grocery facilities once you leave either of those towns.
Bathroom facilities - We are off grid so the bathroom is a pit toilet (a nice one, we might add) that is about 100 feet from the base of the tower. We have a "pee pot" in the upstairs cupola sleeping area, a "pee funnel" off the side of the tower and an "emergency potty" outside on the deck. It's actually pretty civilized, all in all, but it's not like having a flush toilet just a few steps away. The hot shower is outside on the deck - in front of God and everyone, but then, there isn't anyone else here!
Be aware that the lookout is one big room, so "private space" for changing clothes or showering is minimal!
The tower is 40 feet high, accessed only by four flights of stairs - there is no elevator! And, while there are landings for each set of stairs (to admire the view, and catch your breath!), everything must be carried up!
Spring water is pumped upstairs by a solar-powered pump from the a collection tank a few hundred feet from the tower. The water is tested as safe. We have been drinking it ourselves for years, but if you're squeamish about drinking untreated water, you might want to bring bottled drinking water.
Fire Season - During the summer forest fires are possible in the area. That could restrict campfires and use of the hot tub and it could result in smoky air. We will let you know immediately if there are fires. If smoke or fire in the immediate area of the Summit Prairie poses a threat to health or safety, you may cancel your reservation with no penalty. In 2020, fire season ran from mid July through late September.
Please note that we do not have a television, clock or mirror and we have no WiFi access!
WHAT TO BRING
As one of our guests pointed out, all guests need to bring are their clothes and groceries. There is a full grocery store in Canyonville (about an hour away at exit 99 off I-5) and in Shady Cove (about 45 minutes away and over the Rogue/Umpqua Divide Pass...). There are also several restaurants in Canyonville and in Shady Cove.
The upstairs cupola sleeping area has a queen size Tempurpedic mattress and is accessed by a ladder which can be tricky and requires being steady on your feet. On the main level are two twin size beds, on either side of the room. Linens are provided for both twin beds and the upstairs queen-size bed along with towels and washcloths for up to four people.
Additional people (over the first 4) are welcome to either sleep on the floor, out on the deck or in a tent in the meadow. They will need to bring their own tent, sleeping bags, air mattress, towels, tableware, etc. There is an additional charge of $10 per person per night for guests over the first 4.
We have all the pots, pans, utensils and small appliances that you will need to cook, but no microwave or dishwasher. We have basic spices and condiments so feel free to use what we have. We have a saying - "just because you're off-grid does not mean you have to eat bad food!"
We have a small under-counter propane-powered refrigerator with a freezer compartment. It has limited cooling capacity during hot weather so consider bringing a cooler and ice if you're bringing a lot of food items that need to be kept cool.
We have picnic tables and fire pit at the base of the tower.
Environment - We are located deep within the Umpqua National Forest so there are wild animals that roam freely in the area - deer, elk, bear, cougar, coyote, bobcats, skunks, mice, lizards etc. There are also insects on the ground, in the air and sometimes in the cabin. We don't find insects to be a problem, but have a few temporary window screens if you wish to use them. Poison oak is native here which we do our best to keep it under control and out of areas where you might come in contact with it. However, we do have Tecnu wash if you get a rash from Poison Oak.
Pets - We DO NOT allow our guests to bring pets - no exceptions, so please don't ask - not even for a deposit or additional fee. We fully realize this means that some guests will choose not to visit us.
Children - This property is not suitable for children under the age of 5.
Cell phone service - Verizon, US Cellular, AT&T and T-Mobile work at the Summit Prairie. Sprint does not. We're not sure about other carriers. We have Verizon service and a personal WiFi hotspot on our phones in case of an emergency.
Electricity - We do have a small solar-powered electrical system is used to for some lighting and charging cell phones and small computers. It can only handle 300 watts and it cannot handle any appliance with a heating element - hair dryer, coffee maker, etc. (we have a French press you can use). We are diligent about conserving electricity, especially if we have several days of cloudy weather.
The nearest hospital/emergency medical facility is in Medford, a little over an hour away or in Roseburg, about an hour and a half away.
WEATHER AT THE SUMMIT PRAIRIE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON
April/May - The meadow is in peak bloom, carpeted with waves of wildflowers, beginning with low-growing buttercups, then Oregon Sunshine and purple larkspur later in the month. Deer and elk graze in the meadow almost every evening and early morning. As the sun sets in the evening, you'll hear the frogs down in the valley singing their hearts out. It is Spring, however, and the chance of rain remains high. Temperatures are usually in the mid-60's during the day and low 40's at night. We've had snow as late as Memorial Day (in the US, it's usually the last weekend in May), though that is rare.
June - The meadow continues to bloom, the grasses get tall, and the deer continue to graze in the meadow. Birds can be seen and heard, especially early in the morning. Usually we see purple finches and juncos at our feeder. We still have a good chance of rain, but temperatures are a bit warmer, into the mid-70's during the day.
July - Probably the best all-round weather month - rain tapers off and the skies become perfect for stargazing at night. The wildflowers begin to fade, the grasses begin to turn amber, and the deer move on to other places to graze. It's also the season of thunderstorms, which can be dramatic to watch in the late afternoon.
August - The best star gazing month of the year! The meadow becomes very dry, the grasses drop all pretense of being green, and temperatures rise into the 90's during the day. Evenings are usually warm enough to stay up until the wee hours watching the Perseid meteor showers. Forest fires can occur in the area which can make the air hazy and sometimes smell smokey. Some years we may have to close if forest fires come too close. Grasshoppers can overtake the meadow on some days.
September - The meadow starts to become golden. Even the sunlight takes on a golden hue. Temperatures top out in the 80's and the air is dry with a hint of cool in the evening. On one level it can be the quietest time of year. Forest fires can still be a problem to be alert to. Grasshoppers can overtake the meadow on some days, but they never come up to the lookout tower.
October/November - Fall is in the air. Harvest time is here. The farmers markets are full of good produce. Temperatures cool off, and moisture rises, which can mean waking up to fog in the air and leaves dripping softly in the woods. Nighttime can be chilly, perfect for steaming drinks and a cozy blanket. If there have been forest fires, they have subsided. Deer hunting season begins in early October, so you may also hear the sound of baying dogs and gunshots in the area.
OTHER POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES
Sip cocktails and watch the sunset from the deck of the lookout
Sit around the campfire and tell ghost stories
Read a book in a secluded spot
Hike in and swim at the very secluded Fish Lake in the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness (about an 1.5 hour drive)
Kayak or canoe on Lost Creek Lake (about an hour drive)
Star gaze
Be creative! It's a big space...
Where you’ll sleep
What this place offers
Mountain view
Valley view
Kitchen
Free driveway parking on premises – 25 spaces
Private hot tub - available seasonally, open 24 hours
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Where you’ll be
Tiller, Oregon, United States
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Neighborhood highlights
Enjoy 160 acres of pure, private bliss. Surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest, you'll awaken each morning only to the sound of birds calling in the trees or bees humming about their business in the meadow. In the evening be amazed at the sunsets, and then as the dusk settles into darkness, exhaust your ability to count all the stars that light up the sky.
Meet your host
Born in the 50s
My work: Retired &Airbnb host
Dabney Tompkins has been a band teacher, real estate broker and now short term rental host. His husband, Alan Colley, worked in corporate America and then as a fundraiser for local non-profits most of his career.
We have been Airbnb hosts since 2012 and consider ourselves very "old school" hosts. We consider every guest a potential new friend and our ultimate goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience for all of our guests.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Things to know
House rules
Check-in after 4:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
4 guests maximum
Safety & property
Pool/hot tub without a gate or lock
May encounter potentially dangerous animal
Carbon monoxide alarm
Cancellation policy
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