Bald Knob Lookout

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

 forest, Oregon
 forest, Oregon

Bald Knob Lookout

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest


Bald Knob Lookout

Bald Knob Lookout stands atop Bald Knob in the Rogue River-Siskiyou Natioial Forest. overlooking the Rogue River, Eden Valley, and miles of forest land. Nearby is the Wild Rogue Wilderness with miles of scenic trails.

Bald Knob Lookout, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon

Lookout Features

The Bald Knob Lookout stands 21 feet above the ground with a 16x16-foot cabin perched on top. Within the cabin are a propane stove, heater, refrigerator, and lights. A small bed for 2 (perhaps now 2 beds), a table, and chairs are included in the furnishings. The cabin has a maximum occupancy of 4. The lookout does not have running water. An outhouse is located outside, 100 feet from the base of the tower. A picnic table and campfire ring are available outside. There is space for a single small tent outside, but it must be well anchored due to possible heavy winds.

What Guests Need to Bring

Visitors to the lookout need to bring enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. They also will need to supply their own bedding and cooking supplies, extra toilet paper, flashlights, first aid kit, washcloths and towels, silverware, wine opener, dish soap and garbage bags. Guests must clean the cabin upon departure and take everything they brought, including garbage and food.

Read full details and check for any updates: National Forest: Bald Knob Lookout and Recreation.gov - Bald Knob Lookout

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Bald Knob Lookout Basics
Bald Knob Lookout Location: From Powers drive south on Highway 242, then continue on Forest Road 33. For details of the route beyond Powers, see Recreation.gov - Bald Knob Lookout
Elevation: 3,630 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Powers - 23 miles
Bandon - 64 miles
Eugene - 168 miles
Open - Closed: Memorial Day weekend through October, depending on weather
Max. People : 4
Maximum Number of Vehicles: 2
Pets: Pets are not permitted
Operated by Rogue River-Siskiyou Natioial Forest
Information Powers Ranger District: (541) 439-6200
M-F, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Bald Knob Lookout Reservations
Reservations Available Bald Knob Lookout Reservations are available up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Wheelchair accessible sites: None
Maximum length of stay: 14 nights
Area Map: Bald Knob Lookout Area Map
Cabin Rental Fees: $65 per night
Cabin Reservations: Bald Knob Lookout Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 1:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Bald Knob Lookout Amenities
Cabin Interior: Propane stove, heater, refrigerator, and lights. A small bed for 2 (perhaps now 2 beds), a table, and chairs. The cabin has a maximum occupancy of 4. The lookout does not have running water.
Cabin Exterior: Vault toilet, campfire ring, picnic table, parking for 2 vehicles, space for tent camping
NOT included: Visitors need to bring WATER, bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets and perhaps a foam roll to soften up the beds), pillows, towels, dish towels, matches, food containers, eating utensils, wine opener, toilet paper, paper towels, flashlights, outdoor chairs, garbage bags.
Attractions near Bald Knob Lookout:



Bald Knob Lookout map, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon

Bald Knob Lookout Access

Call (weekdays) the Powers Ranger Station a week ahead of your arrival to obtain the access code for the entry.

Advice from Previous Visitors

The last 3 miles of the access road are dirt, single lane. The trap door into lookout cabin has a counter-weight to make it easy to raise. At night close the trap door, but make sure the hasp is raised. Expect heavy wind shaking the tower.

No gas is available in Powers, so fill up in Myrtle Point.

South Fork Coquille River Area
Attractions and Activities

  • Enjoy mountain biking on local roads and trails. Head out road cycling on Forest Road 33.
  • Set out hiking on local trails such as the Sucker Creek Trail #1256, Azalea Lake Trail #1262, Coquille River Falls Trail #1257, Elk Creek Falls Trail #1151, and the Big Tree Trail #1150.
  • Read the Geology of Waterfalls Along the Coquille River, a 3-page Forest Service brochure.
  • Drive south to the Coquille River Falls Trailhead and hike the short, but steep Coquille River Falls Trail to the falls.
  • Drive north to the Elk Creek Falls Trailhead.
  • In nearby Powers visit the Boundary Picnic Ground and Bicentennial Park.
  • Also in Powers, visit Powers County Park with tennis courts, basketball and volleyball, and a playground. Also, see the Steam Donkey on display from past logging days. Fish in the pond.

Key Bald Knob Lookout Regulations

  1. Smoking is not allowed in the cabin.
  2. The cabin must be thoroughly cleaned before departure. Leave behind no food or other items you brought to the cabin.
  3. Firewood is provided for indoor use only.
  4. "The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets; the steps and catwalk can become quite slippery and the tower may sway in strong winds."