Snow Camp Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. Available for reservation through Recreation.gov typically during summer months when roads are accessible. Call Gold Beach Ranger District at (541) 247-3600 for current road conditions and seasonal opening dates.
Air Stagnation Advisory issued December 29 at 2:25PM PST until December 31 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Medford OR
* WHAT...Air quality is likely to worsen through Wednesday afternoon. This is due to an inversion and stagnant air conditions near the surface that will trap pollutants. * WHERE...Valley areas, both west of the Cascades in Jackson, Josephine and Douglas counties, and east of the Cascades in Klamath and Lake counties. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Poor air quality may cause issues for people with respiratory problems.
About
Snow Camp Lookout sits at the peak of Snow Camp Mountain at an elevation of 4,223 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, offering guests spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area. On clear days, visitors can see ocean waves crashing along Kellogg Beach, Point St. George, and Castle Rock near Crescent City, California. The fire lookout is the most recent of three structures built atop Snow Camp Mountain. The site has served as a fire lookout since about 1910 and was used as an Aircraft Warning System station during World War II. The 15' x 15' Standard R-6 Flat style lookout cabin constructed in 1958 was destroyed in the 2002 Biscuit Fire, a massive blaze that burned more than a half-million acres in Oregon and California. Thanks to the generous efforts of Don Hartley and volunteers, the lookout was reconstructed and reopened in 2004. The renovated lookout is furnished with a double bed with mattress, table and chairs, cabinets and counter space, a wood-burning cook stove, and an outdoor picnic table. A pit toilet is located nearby. The lookout offers access to an extensive historic trail system, including the Snow Camp Trail, one of the oldest trails in the forest that follows aboriginal travel routes and provides access to Windy Valley, a pristine mountain meadow with a crystal clear creek. The location is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. Although visitors can drive to within 200 yards of the lookout, the final approach requires carrying gear up a strenuous slope to the summit.
Directions
From Brookings: From US 101 turn onto North Bank Chetco River Road (County Road 784). In approximately 8 miles this becomes Forest Service Road 1376. Follow for approximately 25 miles to Forest Service Road 590 with a yellow gate. The lookout is 1/2 mile ahead. From Gold Beach: Turn off US 101 onto Hunter Creek Road (County Road 635), which becomes Forest Service Road 3680. Follow for about 22 miles to Forest Service Road 1376. Road 590 is about 2 miles down. Proceed through gate, then 1/2 mile to the lookout. Final 200 yards to summit are pedestrian only.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 247-3600 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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