Bald Butte Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. Available for reservations June 15 through October 15, weather and snow conditions permitting. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 2:25PM PST until December 31 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...Air quality is likely to worsen through Wednesday afternoon. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will trap pollutants. * WHERE...Valley areas, both west of the Cascades in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties, and east of the Cascades in Klamath and Lake counties. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
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.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Fremont-Winema National Forest 14 Day Stay Limit
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited upon all lands, roads, and trails administered by the Fremont-Winema National Forest as described in this order.
About
Bald Butte Lookout sits at 7,536 feet atop the exposed summit of Bald Butte in south-central Oregon's Fremont-Winema National Forest. Built in 1931 from a pre-cut Aladdin L4 kit packed in by horseback for just $668.49, this historic fire lookout served for over 50 years before being restored as a rental cabin in 1993-94. It is one of only two remaining L4 gable roof lookouts in Oregon. The cozy 14x14 foot cabin sleeps two on cots and includes a table, bench, storage cabinets, propane heater, cook stove, and lights. Outside, guests will find a vault toilet, picnic table, and fire ring. The treeless summit lacks shade but benefits from high elevation and constant mountain breezes. Panoramic views encompass the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness, Dead Horse Rim, and distant snowcapped peaks including Mount Shasta. Guests must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and washing, plus sleeping bags, linens, cooking gear, matches, dish soap, first aid supplies, toilet paper, and garbage bags. The lookout is accessible by vehicle via steep, rough forest roads not suitable for large RVs or low-clearance vehicles. Nearby trails include Bald Butte Trail and routes into the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. At night, the exposed summit provides exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution.
Directions
From Paisley, travel 0.5 miles north on Highway 31 and turn left on Mill Street. Follow Mill Street to the Y junction where it becomes gravel, then turn right on Forest Road 3315. Continue 21 miles on FR 3315, turn left on FR 28 for 0.5 miles to FR 3411. Turn right on FR 3411 for 2 miles to FR 450. Turn right on FR 450 to the summit. The final 2 miles on FR 450 are steep and rough with large rocks, not suitable for low-clearance vehicles or large RVs.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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