Snow Camp Lookout
SNOW CAMP LOOKOUT
Part of Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Overview
Snow Camp Lookout sits at the peak of Snow Camp Mountain at an elevation of 4,223 feet, offering guests spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The fire lookout is the most recent of three structures built atop Snow Camp Mountain. The structures onsite were used as fire lookouts and an Aircraft Warning System station during World War II. The original cabin was destroyed in the 2002 Biscuit Fire, a massive blaze that burned more than a half-million acres in Oregon and California, but was reconstructed just two years later.
Today the lookout offers a unique lodging experience for guests seeking a bit of solitude and relaxation. Although the cabin offers some basic amenities, guests must bring a few of their own supplies to ensure an enjoyable stay.
Facilities
The renovated fire lookout is a 15' x 15' structure, originally designed for one or two people. It is furnished with a double bed with a mattress, a table and chairs, cabinets and counter space for food preparation. It is also equipped with a wood-burning cook stove and a picnic table for outdoor dining. A pit toilet is located near the lookout. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring sufficient supplies for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags. Although visitors can drive within sight of the lookout, the 200-yard hike to the summit can be strenuous when carrying gear. The final 200 yards to the lookout are open to administrative traffic only.Natural Features
On a clear day, guests at Snow Camp Lookout will see ocean waves crashing along Kellogg Beach, Point St. George and Castle Rock near Crescent City, California. Effects of the 2002 Biscuit Fire and the 2017 Chetco Bar Fire are obvious within the surroundings, though forested mountains and grassy hillsides dotted with pine trees extend from the lookout as well.Recreation
Hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing are popular among guests to this lookout.An important component of the historic fabric of the watershed is the trail system. Hikers may want to wander trails that originally followed older aboriginal routes. "Chief" Elwin Frye, a packer for the Forest Service, identified a portion of the Snow Camp Trail as an Indian travel route. The trail is one of the oldest in the Forest, and provides access to Windy Valley, a pristine mountain meadow with a small crystal clear creek.
At night the lookout is an ideal setting for stargazing, as constellations and planets put on a dazzling display.
Important Notices
- 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 at (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.
- Port-Orford cedar root disease is a concern in southwest Oregon. This disease can be transported through mud or dirt on vehicles. You must wash your vehicle, including the undercarriage, before you enter National Forest lands.
- Pets are welcome at this facility
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility
- 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
- SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
<p><strong>Access from Brookings: </strong>From US 101 turn onto the North Bank Chetco River Road (County Road 784). In approsimately 8 miles this becomes Forest Service Road #1376. Follow this road for approximately 25 miles to Forest Service Road #590 which has a yellow gate. The lookout i 1/2 mile ahead on this road. <strong>Access from Gold Beach: </strong>Turn off US 101 onto Hunter Creek Road (County road #635). This turns into Forest Service Road #3680. Follow this road for about 22 miles to Forest Service Road #1376. Road #590 is about 2 miles down road #1376. Proceed through gate, then 1/2 mile to the lookout.</p>
Contact Information
Phone: 541-247-3600
29279 Ellensburg AvenueGold Beach, OR 97415
