Oregon / Coos County / Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Bald Knob Lookout

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens Memorial Day weekend through October. Due to recent vandalism and winter storm damage, propane heat, stove, refrigerator, and lights will not be available until the 2026 season. Forest Service Road 5520 has recent winter storm damage and requires a high clearance 4x4 vehicle.

About

Bald Knob Lookout is perched atop Bald Knob at an elevation of 3,630 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, offering visitors a unique lodging experience with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The one-room cabin sits atop a 21-foot tower and provides basic furnishings including a single bed, small table, and chairs, with space for up to four occupants. Originally developed as a lookout site in 1931, Bald Knob served as an Aircraft Warning Service observation station during World War II between 1942 and 1944. The Forest Service removed the original gable-roofed structure in 1963 and replaced it with the present flat-top tower. The lookout offers spectacular views overlooking Eden Valley to the north, the Rogue River to the south, and the vast forests of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest beyond. The location provides excellent access to wilderness hiking, with the Panther Ridge Trail accessible directly from the facility. This historic Native American travel corridor passes through magnificent stands of old-growth timber, with approximately 95% of the trail within the Wild Rogue Wilderness. The nearby Coquille River Falls Trail descends through virgin stands of Douglas-fir, hemlock, and Port-Orford cedar. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing throughout the seasonal changes, from spring wildflowers to autumn colors and winter snow.

Directions

From Portland take I-5 South to OR-42 West, then OR 242 South to Powers. Drive south on Highway 242 through 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 Forest Service Road 3348. Travel up FSR 3348 approximately 2 miles to Forest Service Road 5520. Turn right where pavement ends. Take FSR 5520 for 2 miles, then turn right on FSR 5520-020, and follow approximately 2 miles to a gate. Continue through two gates to the end of the lookout road. Note: Road 3343 is closed to through traffic. FSR 5520 has recent winter storm damage and requires a high clearance 4x4 vehicle.

Nearby Campgrounds