Lake Of The Woods Lookout
Nothing compares to the closeness to nature, grandness of views, and sheer romance of spending time on the top of a mountain in this historic gem of a Forest Service lookout. At an elevation of 3,419 feet, Lake of the Woods Lookout provides a sweeping panoramic view, with vistas to the Pacific Ocean, the Kalmiopsis and Wild Rogue Wildernesses, and the Wild and Scenic Illinois and Rogue River canyons.
The lookout, a one-room cabin with windows that provide 360-degree views, accommodates one to four people. It is equipped with a propane stove, lights, and is furnished with a table and two chairs, a double bed, foot stool, broom and fire extinguisher. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic camping experience, and will need to bring sufficient equipment, including bedding and cooking supplies. On site, adjacent to the lookout, are a picnic table and a fire pit for outdoor barbeques. (During periods of extreme fire danger there will be restrictions for outdoor burning). An outhouse is located near the lookout. No water is available on site; visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing.
History
The lookout is located approximately 21 miles northeast of Gold Beach, Oregon. It was first located on Barklow Mountain on the Powers Ranger District. The R6 (Flat Roofed) cabin, originally a "ground house" (the lookout cabin was built on the ground, not on top of a tower), was flown by helicopter to the present location and placed on an eight-foot tower with a catwalk in 1974. Lake of the Woods Lookout was staffed during fire seasons from 1974 to 1996.
General Information
- No smoking
- Pets are welcome
Amenities
- Outhouse
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
- Propane Heater
- There is sufficient room for one tent, but the ground is extremely rocky.
Map Location: Township 34 South, Range 12 West, Section 33
Storm Warning
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, visitors 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 you do not stand at these locations during storms.
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 as soon as possible.
May (snow accumulation may limit availability) - Late October (snow accumulation may limit availability)
Overnight Use:
$65 per night
- $65/night
- Reservations can be made at: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234158
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 42.59401
Longitude: -124.12801
Directions
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 10 miles going east on County Road 595 which becomes Forest Road 33. Turn left at 10 miles on to Forest Road 3310, cross bridge and go 10 miles. Stay to the right at the fork and turn on Forest Road 3340. Stay on this road for approximately 8.5 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.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
