Onion Mountain Lookout
Closed — Closed to reservations until further notice. Typically operates seasonally from late May through mid-October.
Freezing Fog Advisory issued January 11 at 1:36PM PST until January 12 at 11:00AM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...For the Air Stagnation Advisory Within the valleys in Douglas, Josephine and Jackson Counties, poor air quality will continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, visibility one quarter mile or less in freezing fog and possible locally slick conditions. * WHERE...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, all low-lying areas in Jackson and Josephine counties. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, the Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois valleys in Jackson and Josephine counties. * WHEN...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until 4 AM PST Friday. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, from 2 AM to 11 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Most outdoor burning will likely be prohibited as poor ventilation continues. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Locally slick conditions are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong area of high pressure remains in place. This will lead to poor mixing of the atmosphere and the trapping of pollutants. Early morning conditions may be favorable for areas of dense or freezing valley fog. The high looks to stay in place through the week ahead.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued January 11 at 1:36PM PST until January 16 at 4:00AM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...For the Air Stagnation Advisory Within the valleys in Douglas, Josephine and Jackson Counties, poor air quality will continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, visibility one quarter mile or less in freezing fog and possible locally slick conditions. * WHERE...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, all low-lying areas in Jackson and Josephine counties. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, the Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois valleys in Jackson and Josephine counties. * WHEN...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until 4 AM PST Friday. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, from 2 AM to 11 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Most outdoor burning will likely be prohibited as poor ventilation continues. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Locally slick conditions are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong area of high pressure remains in place. This will lead to poor mixing of the atmosphere and the trapping of pollutants. Early morning conditions may be favorable for areas of dense or freezing valley fog. The high looks to stay in place through the week ahead.
Freezing Fog Advisory issued January 11 at 11:59AM PST until January 11 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...For the Air Stagnation Advisory Within the valleys in Douglas, Josephine and Jackson Counties, poor air quality will continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, visibility one quarter mile or less in freezing fog and possible locally slick conditions. * WHERE...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, all low-lying areas in Jackson and Josephine counties. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, the Rogue, Applegate, and Illinois valleys in Jackson and Josephine counties. * WHEN...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until 4 AM PST Friday. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, from 2 AM to 11 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Most outdoor burning will likely be prohibited as poor ventilation continues. Low visibility could make driving conditions hazardous. Locally slick conditions are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong area of high pressure remains in place. This will lead to poor mixing of the atmosphere and the trapping of pollutants. Early morning conditions may be favorable for areas of dense or freezing valley fog. The high looks to stay in place through the week ahead.
About
Onion Mountain Lookout sits atop a 12-foot tower at 4,438 feet elevation, providing guests with a unique overnight rental experience in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The current structure was built in 1952 and served as both a fire lookout and Aircraft Warning Service observation station. The 14x14 foot cabin features large windows on all sides, offering panoramic views of southwestern Oregon's mountainous terrain. The cabin is furnished with a bed with mattress, table, chairs, propane cooking stove, refrigerator, and lanterns. No water is available on site, so visitors must pack in all drinking, cooking, and washing water. A primitive vault toilet is located near the lookout. The site is accessed via 8.75 miles of gravel forest roads, with the final 0.8 miles requiring a walk from a locked gate. Key pickup is required from the Wild Rivers Ranger District office in Grants Pass. The area offers excellent hiking, mountain biking on the nearby Taylor Creek/Onion Way mountain loop, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. Onion Mountain is named for the tiny wild onions growing among the summit rocks, and in early summer the area blooms with Bear Grass, Snow Mountain Buckwheat, and penstemon.
Directions
From Grants Pass travel Highway 199 south to Riverbanks Road at milepost 7 (just past the Applegate River) and turn right. Proceed 5.5 miles to Shan Creek Road and turn left. Travel 8 miles on gravel road to Forest Service Road 2509 and turn right. Proceed 0.75 miles to the Onion Mountain gate. Walk the remaining 0.8 miles to the lookout. Key pickup required from Wild Rivers Ranger District office in Grants Pass (2164 NE Spalding Avenue) Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 471-6500 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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