Oregon / Curry County / Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Quail Prairie Lookout

Closed — Permanently closed. The cab collapsed off the tower in November 2024 and the facility is no longer accessible or operable.

About

Quail Prairie Lookout stands as a testament to the challenges of maintaining remote fire lookout infrastructure. Built in 1963 as one of the last fire lookouts constructed in southwestern Oregon, the 41-foot timber tower with its R-6 flat cab replaced the nearby Long Ridge Lookout that was destroyed in the 1962 Columbus Day Hurricane. The lookout served as an important fire detection facility for the Chetco drainage and Kalmiopsis Wilderness area until staffing ended in the mid-1990s. After its staffing period ended, the Forest Service converted the lookout to a rental cabin, offering visitors panoramic views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and Chetco River drainage from the catwalk surrounding the one-room cab. The facility was furnished with basic amenities including a single bed, table, chairs, wood stove, propane cooking stove, and propane refrigerator. However, around 2010-2011, winter storms caused substantial damage to one wall of the cab, causing it to buckle and cave in. Without funding for repairs, the Forest Service removed the lower flight of stairs and closed the facility to public access. The lookout continued to deteriorate over the following years. In November 2024, during the high winds associated with a bomb cyclone that struck the Pacific Northwest coast, the cab completely blew off the tower and crashed to the ground below, ending any possibility of future restoration. The tower structure itself still stands, but the facility is permanently closed and considered a total loss. The site remains accessible via Forest Road 1917, a narrow gravel road that climbs up Long Ridge from the North Bank Chetco River Road, offering views into the wilderness for those willing to make the drive.

Directions

From Brookings and U.S. Highway 101, drive east on North Bank Chetco River Road (County Road 784). This becomes Forest Service Road 1376 in approximately 8 miles. Turn left after crossing the South Fork Bridge (16 miles from Brookings). Turn right on Forest Service Road 1917 approximately 1 mile after the bridge. Follow signs staying on Forest Service Road 1917. The lookout is 3 miles beyond Packer's Cabin. Total distance is 26 miles. Roads are generally one-lane gravel with pullouts.

Nearby Campgrounds