Drivers on rural roads north of Gresham, Oregon, often notice a tall, narrow wooden structure at the end of a driveway. Standing around 15 feet high, it features siding, a small pitched roof, and a glass panel at the bottom facing the driveway. It’s not a mailbox, deer feeder, or treehouse—it serves a completely different purpose.
Locals have nicknamed it the “driveway periscope.”
Solving a Visibility Problem
Many rural driveways meet the road at locations where hills, trees, or fences block the view, making it hard to see oncoming traffic. A common solution is a convex mirror across the street, but this structure tackles the problem differently. Using angled mirrors similar to a submarine periscope, the top section of the tower captures traffic on the road, and the reflections guide the view down to the bottom glass panel. Drivers can then check for approaching vehicles before pulling out safely.
No power, no electronics—just clever physics and thoughtful design.
Blending Function with Character
With its beige siding and pitched roof, the structure fits seamlessly into rural landscapes. It resembles a mix between a small watchtower and a birdhouse, catching the eye of curious passersby who speculate: “Is that a mini fire tower?” or “Could it be a fancy chicken coop?”
The charm comes from its homemade construction. The builder didn’t overcomplicate it—just saw a problem and made a practical solution.
Beyond Local Curiosity
The driveway periscope has drawn attention online, including a viral TikTok video highlighting its unique design. People have shared guesses about its purpose while praising its cleverness.
Though the concept of periscope-like viewpoints has been used in military and industrial applications for decades, applying it to a rural driveway is rare—but highly effective.
A Testament to Practical Ingenuity
More than just an odd roadside sight, the driveway periscope is a smart, functional tool born from necessity. On many countryside properties, long or winding driveways meet narrow roads with limited visibility, making it tricky—and potentially dangerous—to enter traffic safely. Instead of relying on costly contractors, permits, or high-tech solutions, the builder relied on creativity and practicality.
With a few boards, two mirrors, and a simple design, the periscope lets drivers spot approaching cars without leaving their vehicle or taking risks. It’s a perfect example of resourcefulness, low-cost ingenuity, and a solution tailored to its environment.
In a world dominated by tech-heavy fixes, the driveway periscope is a refreshing reminder that the simplest solutions—built with common sense and a little elbow grease—can often be the smartest.
It shows that even in modern times, creativity, practicality, and hands-on problem-solving still have a place in everyday life.
