Facility Details - LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT, OR

Overview

Lake of the Woods Lookout is surrounded by mountainous terrain, forested hillsides and spectacular views within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southwestern Oregon.

The flat-roofed cabin was originally a "ground house" located on Barklow Mountain in the Powers Ranger District. It was flown by helicopter to its present location and placed on a 12 ft. tower and catwalk in 1974. It was then staffed during fire seasons from 1974 to 1996.

The lookout offers some amenities, but guests are asked to bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.

Natural Features:

Lake of the Woods Lookout provides a panoramic view with vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Kalmiopsis and Wild Rogue Wilderness areas, and the Wild and Scenic Illinois and Rogue River canyons.

In the spring, the nearby Lake of the Woods, which is actually a fairly small shallow pond, is surrounded by wildflowers and welcomes the arrival of several species of birds and butterflies. As summer progresses, the lake fills in with tall reeds and grasses.

Lightning storms are a part of the thrill of staying at a lookout, but they are also extremely dangerous. If a lightning storm should occur, guests are urged to follow these safety rules to minimize the danger:

Stay indoors or completely inside your car
If you are trapped outside during a lightning storm, move to lower ground and stay low to the ground
Do not stand under trees or other high objects
If you are in the lookout building, close the windows and doors
Lightning follows air currents: Do not touch anything metal. The Lookout has metal stairs and a metal walkway around the cabin; It is imperative guests do not stand at these locations during storms.

Recreation:

Hiking, mountain biking and stargazing are popular among guests at the lookout. Seasonal changes envelope the area as snowmelt gives rise to spring time flowers, and vivid autumn colors welcome a landscape blanketed with snow.

Logging roads and trails extend from the area, providing guests with opportunities to explore the area's old-growth forests, rugged and steep river canyons and a variety of wildlife.

Far away from city lights, the lookout provides a fantastic opportunity for stargazing. Guests to the lookout search for constellations, planets and are treated to an occasional meteor slashing the night sky.

Facilities:

The lookout is a one-room cabin, able to accommodate up to four people. It is equipped with a double bed with a mattress, a table and two chairs, foot stool, a propane stove, propane heater and cooler, propane and solar lights, cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher. A solar shower is provided, however, guests must provide the water.

On site, adjacent to the lookout, there is a picnic table and a campfire ring for outdoor dining. A pit toilet is also located outside the tower. There is sufficient room for one tent, but the ground is extremely rocky.

Guests to this lookout should be prepared for a rustic camping experience, and will need to bring several of their own supplies. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring a sufficient amount for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.

Although lighting is provided, it is recommended guests bring an additional light source in case of emergency.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) With Mattress Campfire Ring Cleaning Supplies Fire Extinguisher Hiking Mountain Biking Picnic Area Pit Toilet	Propane Heat Propane Lights Propane Stove Solar Lights Stargazing Table and Chairs Tent Site Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
Accessible Hiking Trails Fishing	Swimming

Know Before You Go

Water is not available at this facility.
Entry to the lookout will be by combination lock. The combination will be included in your confirmation letter. Please call the Gold Beach Ranger District office at (541)247-3600 four days prior to your arrival to confirm your combination. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on weekends and holidays.
Please contact the Ranger District (541)247-3600 prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit.
Pets are welcome at this facility
All garbage and food must be packed out
The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility
During periods of intense summer storms a Forest Service Fire Officer may need to use the lookout for short periods of time to spot fires; if you spot a fire while at the lookout, report it to the Forest Service immediately
Learn more about Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.59389, -124.12833
42°35'38"N, 124°7'42"W

From the north end of the town of Gold Beach, turn east off of U.S. Highway 101 onto County Road 595. This road becomes Forest Service Road 33. Travel approximately 27 miles to the town of Agness. Continue approximately 9 miles on Forest Service Road 33 to Forest Service Road 3336. Turn left and travel 8.2 miles to Forest Service Road 141. Pass through the gate and continue another 0.75 mile to the lookout.

Travel time from Gold Beach is approximately 1.5 hours on narrow, paved and gravel roads. Forest Service roads are generally one lane gravel roads with pullouts. Many people use these roads, including logging trucks and recreational vehicles. Drive slowly, stay to the right at all times, and use pullouts.