Bald Butte Lookout
Closed for the season. Opens June 15, weather and snow conditions permitting, through October 15. Reservations available via Recreation.gov.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 9:58AM PDT by NWS Medford OR
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued an Air Quality Advisory...in effect until noon PDT Wednesday. Wildfires burning in the region combined with forecast conditions will cause air quality levels to fluctuate and could be at unhealthy levels. Smoke levels can change rapidly depending on the weather. People at risk include infants and young children, people with heart or lung disease, older adults and pregnant people. People can take the following precautions to protect their health: * Follow local burn restrictions to prevent deteriorating air quality. * Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. * People with heart or lung problems and young children are especially vulnerable. These people should stay indoors while smoke levels are high. * Use certified High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in indoor heating, ventilation, cooling and air purification systems. For additional information...please visit the web site at https://oregonsmoke.org
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
About
Bald Butte Lookout is a historic fire detection tower built in 1931 using an Aladdin L4 ground-mounted kit, with all materials packed to the remote summit by horseback. The structure served the Forest Service for over 50 years before being abandoned. After falling into disrepair, it was meticulously restored in 1993-1994 as a Passport in Time project, with period furniture built from original 1930s plans. The 14' x 14' lookout sits atop Bald Butte in Fremont-Winema National Forest, offering sweeping views of the Gearhart Wilderness, Dead Horse Rim, and distant snowcapped peaks including Mount Shasta. The exposed summit provides exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. The cozy interior accommodates two guests with cots, a table, bench, and storage cabinets. Propane powers the stove, heater, and lights. Outside amenities include an accessible vault toilet, picnic table, and fire ring. There is no potable water, so guests must bring sufficient supplies for drinking, cooking, and washing. All trash must be packed out. The access road is steep, rough, and potentially rocky for the final two miles, making the lookout unsuitable for RVs or low-clearance vehicles.
Directions
From Paisley, travel 0.5 miles north on Highway 31 and turn left on Mill Street. Stay on Mill Street to the Y junction, then turn right on Forest Road 3315. Continue 21 miles on FR 3315, turn left on FR 28 for 0.5 miles, then right on FR 3411 for 2 miles to unmarked FR 450. Turn right on FR 450 to the summit. The last 2 miles are steep, rough, and may have large rocks requiring removal. Not suitable for low-clearance vehicles or RVs.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 943-3114 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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