Lake Of The Woods Lookout
LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT
Part of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
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.
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, a propane stove, 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.
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.
Nearby Attractions
Opportunities for swimming and fishing are within 10 miles of the lookout.Important Notices
- Water is not available at this facility.
Entry to the lookout will be by combination lock. 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 8:000 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on weekends and holidays.
Please contact the Ranger District (541)247-3600 or (541)247-3638 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.
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Available Activities
- Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking - Hiking
- Camping - Camping
- Biking - Biking
- Star Gazing - Star Gazing
- Mountain Biking - Mountain Biking
Directions
<p>From Portland take 1-5 S to OR 38W, Follow US 101 to Gold Beach. From Gold Beach, Oregon, on the north end of the town, turn east off of 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 on to Forest Road 3310, cross bridge and go 13.7 miles. Stay to the right at the fork and turn on Forest Road 3340. Stay on this road for 5.1 miles. Turn left here onto Forest Road 141 - look for the gate in this 5-road junction. Lookout is 0.75-mile up Forest Road 141 spur. Caution! Road is rough. Travel time from Gold Beach is approximately 1.5 hours and 30.2 miles 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.</p><p>From Powers, Oregon. At this moment, we don't recommend taking the Forest Service Road 3340. It is impassable. Instead, take the Forest Service Road 3336 to the Lookout.</p><p>You can also, follow the following links for directions:</p><p>Route 1: Jerrys Flat Rd, Lobster Creek Bridge, FR3310, FR3340, LOW.</p><p>STEP 1.</p><p>https://maps.app.goo.gl/H8KVHucariPmPVDq5</p><p>STEP 2.</p><p>https://maps.app.goo.gl/8QBa2Q4EVzZnDppi7</p><p>Lake of the Woods FULL DIRECTIONS:</p><p>https://maps.app.goo.gl/FX7WwTuxfiDTkqKi6 or</p><p>https://maps.app.goo.gl/vyAro9QgXjKoThQt5</p><p>Route 2: Powers, OR, FR3300, FR3336, LOW.</p><p><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/b3cSyNQ4fqJW7pvT9" rel="nofollow">https://maps.app.goo.gl/b3cSyNQ4fqJW7pvT9</a></p><p></p>
Contact Information
Phone: 541-247-3600
29279 Ellensburg AvenueGold Beach, OR 97444
