Bear Basin Lookout And Cabin

About

Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin offer a unique opportunity to experience life as a fire spotter from a remote mountain ridge in California's Six Rivers National Forest. Perched at 5,280 feet, the site provides 360-degree views spanning the Siskiyou Wilderness to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The current lookout was originally stationed at Camp Six and relocated to Bear Basin Butte in 1996. The rental includes both the historic lookout tower and a modern cabin built in the 1990s in period-appropriate 1930s style. The cabin features three double beds (one bunk), a futon, dining table, chairs, bookcase, and a wood-burning stove with firewood provided. A vault toilet and picnic area with campfire ring are available outside. No water or electricity is available on-site. Access requires a high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicle. The final half-mile is steep gravel, and the paved South Fork Road frequently has rocks and debris. Guests should carry tire chains and a shovel. The Doe Flat and Island Lake trailheads providing access to the Siskiyou Wilderness are within three miles.

Directions

From Smith River NRA Visitor Center in Gasquet: Due to Jawbone Road closure, access is via South Fork Road and 16N02 over Ship Mountain (approximately 40 miles, 2 hours one-way). About 18 miles of this route is unpaved with areas of washout. High-clearance 4WD advised. Standard route when open: Highway 199 to milepost 24.85, turn onto Little Jones Creek Road/Jawbone Road, follow paved road 9.7 miles, turn left on 16N02 for 0.5 miles to locked gate.