Why Is This Here?

Drivers traveling the rural roads north of Gresham, Oregon, sometimes spot a tall, slim wooden tower standing at the end of a driveway. About 15 feet in height, it’s covered in siding, topped with a small gabled roof, and includes a glass viewing panel at the base facing the driveway. It’s clearly not a mailbox, not a deer feeder, and not a quirky treehouse—it serves an entirely different purpose.

Locals refer to it as a “driveway periscope.”

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Solving a Visibility Challenge

Many country driveways meet the road at spots where hills, foliage, or fencing make it nearly impossible to see approaching cars. While some homeowners install convex traffic mirrors across the street, this tower approaches the problem in an inventive way. Using a pair of angled mirrors—much like a submarine periscope—the top mirror reflects the view of oncoming traffic downward to another mirror, directing the image to the glass window near the bottom. Before pulling onto the road, drivers simply check the panel to see if the coast is clear.

No wiring. No cameras. Just smart use of reflection and simple mechanics.

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Functional and Charming

Its beige siding and little roof allow it to blend naturally with the rural scenery. At first glance, it looks like a small lookout post or an oversized birdhouse, prompting plenty of amused guesses from passersby: “Is that a tiny fire tower?” or “Some kind of custom coop?”

Its appeal lies in its handcrafted look. Whoever built it didn’t try to overengineer anything—they just created a straightforward fix to a day-to-day problem.

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More Than a Local Oddity

The driveway periscope has caught attention online as well, thanks in part to a TikTok clip that showcased its clever design. Commenters tossed out theories about its purpose and admired the builder’s creativity.

While periscope-style viewing systems have long existed in industrial and military settings, seeing one repurposed for a country driveway is unusual—and impressively effective.

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A Tribute to Everyday Ingenuity

This tower is more than a quirky roadside feature; it’s a practical safety tool born out of necessity. In many rural areas, long driveways curve or slope toward narrow roads, creating real risks when merging into traffic. Instead of turning to expensive construction work, specialized equipment, or modern electronic solutions, the creator relied on basic materials and thoughtful design.

With some lumber, two mirrors, and a bit of craftsmanship, the periscope allows drivers to check for oncoming vehicles without stepping out of the car or rolling the dice on blind turns. It’s a prime example of low-cost problem-solving that fits its environment perfectly.

In a world full of high-tech gadgets, the driveway periscope is a refreshing reminder that the simplest ideas—grounded in practicality and a hands-on approach—can often be the most effective.