Oregon / Curry County / Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Lake Of The Woods Lookout

Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout typically operates late spring through fall, with winter snow limiting access.

About

Lake of the Woods Lookout offers a unique opportunity to stay in a historic fire lookout tower surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southwestern Oregon. Originally constructed as a ground house on Barklow Mountain in the Powers Ranger District, this flat-roofed cabin was airlifted by helicopter to its current location in 1974 and placed atop a 12-foot tower with a catwalk. The lookout served as an active fire watch station from 1974 to 1996. The one-room cabin accommodates up to four guests and is equipped with essential amenities including a double bed with mattress, propane stove, propane and solar lights, a table and two chairs, and a fire extinguisher. At 3,419 feet elevation, the 360-degree windows provide stunning panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Kalmiopsis and Wild Rogue Wilderness areas, and the Wild and Scenic Illinois and Rogue River canyons. Outside, guests will find a picnic table, campfire ring, and pit toilet. A solar shower is provided, though guests must supply their own water. This is a rustic camping experience requiring self-sufficiency. No water is available on site, so visitors must bring sufficient water for all needs. Guests should also bring sleeping bags, cooking gear, towels, matches, first aid supplies, toilet paper, and garbage bags. The nearby Lake of the Woods is actually a small shallow pond that blooms with wildflowers in spring and attracts birds and butterflies. The remote location provides excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and exceptional stargazing away from city lights. Access is via approximately 30 miles of narrow paved and gravel forest roads from Gold Beach, taking about 1.5 hours.

Directions

From Gold Beach, at the north end of town, turn east off US Highway 101 onto County Road 595 (Jerry's Flat Road). Travel east on County Road 595 which becomes Forest Road 33. Turn left at 11.4 miles onto Forest Road 3310, cross the bridge and go 13.7 miles. Stay to the right at the fork and turn onto Forest Road 3340. Stay on this road for 5.1 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 141 at the 5-road junction. The lookout is 0.75 miles up Forest Road 141 spur. Travel time from Gold Beach is approximately 1.5 hours and 30.2 miles on narrow, paved and gravel roads. Road is rough. Alternative route from Powers via FR 3336 is available.

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