The Solar Lookout A 20ft x 20ft Reclaimed Wood Sanctuary

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The Solar Lookout A 20ft x 20ft Reclaimed Wood Sanctuary

Sneaker Weekend in Central Oregon 🌄

In this video, Nicky and I head to Central Oregon to kick off the 2026 hiking season with a "sneaker weekend."

We’re staying at the Solar Lookout near Terrebonne, a stunning off-grid Airbnb originally built as a private residence inspired by Pacific Northwest fire lookouts.

As a framer, I was blown away by the architectural details of this 20x20 structure. We take a deep dive into the heavy timber construction, including reclaimed beams, a center column support system, and a massive 5-foot cantilevered deck wrapping the entire building.

From Rockwool insulation to reclaimed Navy base flooring, this off-grid sanctuary is a masterclass in sustainable building and repurposed materials.

We also explore:

Smith Rock State Park, hiking the iconic Misery Ridge Trail
Views of Monkey Face, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Bachelor
A perfect 74° day for hiking, photography, and testing gear

In This Video:

Architecture & Framing: A builder’s walkthrough of the Solar Lookout’s hip roof and reclaimed wood interior
Off-Grid Living: Solar array, electrical system, and propane fireplace setup
Hiking Smith Rock: Misery Ridge and River Trail in Terrebonne, Oregon
Photography Gear: Testing the Sony a7 IV with a 14mm prime lens and FLM tripod
Local Eats: Crux Fermentation Project and Monkless Belgian Beverages in Bend, Oregon

Gear & Resources: