California / Del Norte County / Six Rivers National Forest / Siskiyou Wilderness / Smith River National Recreation Area

Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

Closed — Closed for the season. Open for reservations July 1 through September 30 only. The lookout tower closes October 1 to protect from damaging winds; the cabin may remain available slightly longer. Road is not maintained for winter use. Reservations open six months in advance via Recreation.gov. Key pickup required at Smith River Visitor Center in Gasquet during business hours.

About

Perched on a high, narrow mountain ridge at 5,280 feet elevation, Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin offer an exceptional backcountry accommodation experience in the Six Rivers National Forest of northern California. The site provides awe-inspiring 360-degree views spanning from the Siskiyou Wilderness to the east to the Pacific Ocean to the west. The current lookout building has a rich history, originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935 at Camp Six, where it served as an active fire detection tower through the 1990s. The structure was relocated to Bear Basin Butte in 1996 for recreational use. The accompanying Pierson Cabin is a modern interpretation of 1930s Forest Service architecture, built in the 1990s to complement the historic lookout. The rental includes both structures and can accommodate up to eight guests in the base rate, with capacity for up to 12 guests for an additional fee. The cabin features an entry room with counter space for food preparation, three double beds (including one bunk), a four-seat dining table, seating, a bookcase, and a wood-burning stove with provided firewood. The lookout contains a futon for sleeping. Outside facilities include a vault toilet, picnic tables, and a campfire ring. Board games and books may be available. No electricity or water is provided; guests must bring all water, food, bedding, and camping equipment. The remote location provides access to exceptional outdoor recreation. Doe Flat and Island Lake Trailheads into the Siskiyou Wilderness are within three miles. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer and bears. The area offers excellent bird watching, hiking, and horseback riding. The Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center is approximately 21 miles away.

Directions

From Gasquet, take Highway 199 east to milepost 24.85. Turn onto Little Jones Creek Road (FS 16/17N05 Jawbone Road) and stay on paved road for 9.7 miles. Turn left on 16N02 and continue 0.5 miles to locked gate on left. Note: Jawbone Road may be closed due to damage; alternative access via South Fork Road over Ship Mountain adds approximately 1 hour and 18 miles of unpaved road. High-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle required. Last half mile is steep gravel.

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