100 Pigs

Your outhouse photos took me back to when I was 15. I spent a summer on a pig farm in Pueblo Colorado. A friend and I lived with a bachelor in a 2 room shack with no running water or a bathroom. We worked on the farm and for other farmers. Needless to say we pooped and peed in a 3 sided outhouse with a Sears catalog. The view out the front looked out over cornfields and over 100 pigs. It was the best summer I ever had. Story by Bob P.

Mt Howard

Above is the first solicited picture from John H. from Oregon. This handsome structure is at over 8,000 feet above Joseph Oregon. John also sent a link to Five North Cascades Privies where the views don’t stink! » Craig Romano

Catalina Divide

This project started with a conversation with my son-in-law Mark on our walk across the divide above Avalon. We laughed about the idea of printing a coffee table book with associated stories. We thought about soliciting entries and offering a share of the royalties if they made the cut. The selection process could be based on various categories including scenic views, uniqueness, technology, and cleanliness with 1-5 stars. Not so sure about the money-making aspect, but this blog is a start and collecting material.

Glacier Highway

There were many very nice remote toilets along the Glacier Highway in Alberta. Each spotless with bear proof regular and recycle trash cans at regular turnouts. The US can learn a lot from the Canadians when it comes to reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Beaver ponds

This one was a short hike from the ranger station and beaver ponds just outside Glacier National Park.

Logan Pass, Glacier NP

This is a morning shot from Logan Pass in very early September. Note we stopped in on our return on the into the sun road later in the day to green meadows covered with wildflowers. This is a mega potty to accommodate a busy parking lot and tour buses. 

Two Tea House Challenge

These are the toilets awaiting you on the hike above Lake Loise. There are tea houses at Lake Agnes and The Plain at Six Glaciers. Both privies are built on rails that allow them to be moved when full. The two stops are a nice break from a full day hiking adventure.
 

Edith Cavell

 

The toilets at this remote location are quite nice considering they are well off the Glacier Highway at over 10,000 feet. Just up to the hill to the left is the glacier with a small lake including an iceberg. 

Athabasca Glacier

 

This little guy is on the walk to the Athabasca Glacier in Banff National Park, Canada. Note the glacier would have been covering this ground just a few decades ago.

Slot Canyon

 

This remote entry is near the start of Slot Canyon in Anza Borrego. I recommend a quick stop before heading off down the narrow canyon.

Round Meadow

This handsome latrine is located at the entry to Round Meadow in Sequoia National Park. Sometimes it can be difficult to open the doors in the snow.

Pinnacles

 

This lovely structure is at the foot of the hiking trails in Pinnacles National Park. It is a great pit stop before heading out on your day trek. I recently added a second picture from our May 2023 visit with a view of the Pinnacles. Be sure to look for condors.

Red Rock Canyon

 

This pristine bathroom is the top of the line. The high ceilings, special ventilation, solar panels, and septic tank makes this impressive beast luxurious and odor free. Although it is less than 5 miles north of Crandell Lake, it is the ultimate in Canadian remote toilet technology.

Crandell Lake

Next up is a true "outhouse" that is several miles from any other structure. The Crandell Lake outhouse is about 10 miles west of Waterton and somehow survived the big fire five years ago.

Point Loma

The first picture is from close to home. It is a beauty overlooking the Pacific Ocean near the Point Loma Lighthouse. It would score well in all categories, including best whale watching site, however it may not qualify as a true "outhouse".

Historical Background

 

I first became interested in remote outhouses observing our ancestors digging a pit in the sand at La Salina beach in Mexico. The structure was primitive, yet functional, considering there were no other toilets in the area. With an open top and a tarp for the walls, it was well ventilated. I believe we had to throw a beer can on a rope to indicate that it was occupied. "If you see the can, someone's on the can."

Welcome to Outhouses of North America

Welcome!

You have stumbled upon a blog established to collect pictures and stories of favorite outhouses in North America. I invite everyone to contribute pictures and stories of their favorite outhouses so that one day I can put together a coffee table book with all of our favorites. 

Technically, most of the pictures are not "outhouses" which are defined as "out-buildings", but rather rather remote toilets. My favorites shots tend to be more scenic and unique, with less emphasis on cleanliness and high-tech. Nonetheless, when you need to go, which would you choose?

I hope you enjoy the entries and are inspired to search out other remote potties that can be added to the collection. With the help of Google Maps you can locate each of them for your own personal use.