Bolan Mountain Lookout
Bolan Mountain Lookout is surrounded by glass windows on all sides, providing visitors with an unparalleled view of the sheer drop-offs sharp cliffs, and breath-taking views of the rugged Siskiyou Mountains. The historic lookout is available for rent during the snow-free season with a maximum length of stay being 3 consecutive nights, and guests must bring several of their own amenities.
From the lookout, guests are treated to expansive views of the Red Buttes and Siskiyou Wilderness Areas, Preston Peak and Bolan Lake. To the north are views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Illinois River Valley. On a clear day, even Mount Shasta is visible to the southeast, and the slight glimmer of the Pacific Ocean to the west might be seen.
Bolan Lake is a 12 acre, high mountain lake with a shoreline of Douglas fir, pine and hemlock. A dip in the cool waters provides much needed relief from a hot summer day. Clear nights provide guests with a dazzling display of stars and planets.
In 2024, the Siskiyou Mountain Club partnered with the Forest Service to rebuild the Bolan Mountain Lookout after it burned down in the 2020 Slater Fire. For more information on this project, check out this short film created by Vincent DiFrancesco with the Siskiyou Mountain Club.
Reservations
Reservations must be made through recreation.gov
General Information
The 14 x 14 foot one-room cabin is designed to house a maximum of four people, and offers a primitive camping experience. The 30-40 steps up to the lookout are steep and uneven, so visitors should use caution when climbing to the main cabin. The room is equipped with a table, two chairs, a single bed with pad that folds out into two twins, cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher. A vault toilet is located near the lookout. No water is available on site, so guests must pack in water for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own camp stove, light source, sleeping bag, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags.
Summer (when snow melts) - September 30
$65/night
Address: 26568 Redwood Highway Cave Junction, OR 97523
Phone: (541) 592-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Cave Junction, OR, travel south on Highway 199 6.4 miles to the Happy Camp Road (Forest Service Road 48). Turn left and travel 17.3 miles on Happy Camp Road (FSR 48) to the junction with Forest Road 4812. Turn left and travel 4.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 4812-040, the road to Bolan Lake Campground. Turn left again, and travel 1.1 miles to Forest Road 535. Turn right and travel 1.6 miles to the lookout. Forest Road 535 is gated.
Travel Considerations
The lookout can be accessed by passenger car, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Early summer access can be hampered by late season snow pack. Parking is just below the lookout. The 30 to 40 steps up to the lookout are steep and uneven. The lookout can be accessed by passenger car, but a high clearance vehicle and 4WD or AWD is recommended. Early summer access can be hampered by late season snow pack. Parking is available just below the lookout.
Facility and Amenity Information
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
Has a table and chairs inside the lookout for visitors to use.
Other Amenities
- Twin bed(s)
- Vault toilet
- Broom and dust pan
- Fire extinguisher