Pearsoll Peak Lookout
Closed — Closed for refurbishing. The access gate to Chetco Pass typically opens June 1 through September 30, but overnight stays are not currently permitted.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued January 18 at 9:57PM PST until January 21 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...For the Freezing Fog Advisory within the Illinois and lower Rogue Valley in Josephine County, visibility under 1/4 mile in dense freezing fog. For the Air Stagnation Advisory, decreased air quality will likely continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. * WHERE...For the Freezing Fog Advisory and Air Stagnation Advisory, within the Illinois and lower Rogue Valley in Josephine County. For the Air Stagnation Advisory, valleys in eastern Curry and Josephine County. * WHEN...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until 4 PM PST Wednesday. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, until noon PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Dense freezing fog could make driving conditions hazardous and create some slick surfaces.
Freezing Fog Advisory issued January 18 at 9:57PM PST until January 19 at 12:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...For the Freezing Fog Advisory within the Illinois and lower Rogue Valley in Josephine County, visibility under 1/4 mile in dense freezing fog. For the Air Stagnation Advisory, decreased air quality will likely continue. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will continue to trap pollutants. * WHERE...For the Freezing Fog Advisory and Air Stagnation Advisory, within the Illinois and lower Rogue Valley in Josephine County. For the Air Stagnation Advisory, valleys in eastern Curry and Josephine County. * WHEN...For the Air Stagnation Advisory, until 4 PM PST Wednesday. For the Freezing Fog Advisory, until noon PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems. Dense freezing fog could make driving conditions hazardous and create some slick surfaces.
About
Pearsoll Peak Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower originally constructed in 1954, sitting at 5,098 feet elevation on the edge of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness boundary in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The lookout is the only one from the Siskiyou National Forest's original 70+ lookout stations to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Accessing Pearsoll Peak requires commitment and proper preparation. From the town of Selma, take Illinois River Road 11 miles to Forest Service Road 087, which drops steeply to cross the Illinois River via a low-water bridge. The road continues 4.5 miles to Chetco Pass, requiring a high-clearance vehicle. The gate on this section is only open from June 1 through September 30. From Chetco Pass, it's a 2.7-mile hike along FSR 1124 and Trail 1125 to reach the lookout. The site is currently undergoing restoration efforts and is not available for overnight stays. Day use only is permitted during open seasons. A vault toilet is available at the trailhead parking area, but there is no drinking water and no trash service, so visitors must pack out all waste. The lookout offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and serves as access to the remote Kalmiopsis Wilderness area.
Directions
From Grants Pass take Highway 199 to Selma. In Selma turn right at the yellow blinking light onto Illinois River Road and follow for 11 miles to FS Road 087. FS Road 087 drops steeply to cross the Illinois River via a low-water bridge. Continue on 087 for 4.5 miles to Chetco Pass (high-clearance vehicle required; gate open June 1-September 30). From Chetco Pass, hike 2.7 miles along FSR 1124 and Trail 1125 to the lookout.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 618-2200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Pearsoll Peak Lookout |
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