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BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

Powers, Oregon · USDA Forest Service

Lake/waterNo pets
BALD KNOB LOOKOUT — official Recreation.gov photo

Photo: Recreation.gov

About

Bald Knob Lookout is perched atop Bald Knob at an elevation of 3,630 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The lookout offers visitors a unique lodging experience and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Originally developed in 1931 as a lookout site, Bald Knob served as an Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) observation station between 1942 and 1944. The Forest Service removed and replaced the original with the present flat top structure in 1963. The lookout tower is available for reservations from Memorial Day through October, and guests must bring several of their own amenities to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.The 16 x 16 foot one-room flat top cabin's furnishings include a single bed and a small table and chairs. Due to recent vandalism to propane tank and winter storm damage, there will be no propane heat, stove, refrigerator, and lights available until the next 2026 season. Outside amenities include a picnic table and campfire ring. A primitive vault toilet is located approximately 100 feet from the tower. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring plenty of their own for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also supply their own food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags. Please bring your own light source. The site has sufficient space for one small tent, but strong winds could blow a tent off the mountain unless adequately weighted down inside.Visitors to the Bald Knob Lookout will be treated to spectacular views overlooking Eden Valley to the north, the Rogue River to the south, and the forests beyond. The unique character of the landscapes comprising the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has led to over 340,000 acres of the Forest to be preserved as a designated wilderness area, and over 200 miles of streams as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Diverse landscapes provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from spotted owls and bull elk to salamanders and sandhill cranes. These species, along with many others, depend on the undeveloped wilderness, undisturbed wetlands, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.Visit Crater Lake National Park and learn about its unique natural and cultural history. Reaching depths of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the ten deepest lakes in the world. Experience 172 miles of diverse river and mountain landscapes along the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway

Directions

From Portland take 1-5S to OR-42 West. Take OR 542 S to Powers. Drive south from the Powers Ranger District office on Highway 242 through the town of Powers to the Forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 33 along the South Fork of the Coquille River for approximately 11.5 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 3348. Travel up Forest Service Road 3348 approximately 2 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 5520. Turn right, and the pavement ends. Take Forest Service Road 5520 for 2 miles, then turn right on Forest Service Road 5520-020, and follow this spur road approximately 2 miles to a gate. Go through the gate and continue through a second gate to the end of the lookout road. REMARK : Road 3343 is closed to thru traffic and will not access to Look Out. Access the Look Out from Fores Service Road 3348 to Forest Service Road 5520. Forest Service Road 5520 has recent winter storm damage and is safely passable with High Clearance Vehicle 4 x 4 vehicle.

Location

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Details

State
Oregon
City / area
Powers
Agency
USDA Forest Service
Parent area
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Campsites
1
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$65 / night
Rating
4.10 / 5 (21 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
See Recreation.gov

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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