Lake of the Woods Lookout

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

 forest, Oregon
 forest, Oregon

Lake of the Woods Lookout

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest


Lake of the Woods Lookout

Lake of the Woods Lookout is perched above the Rogue River 21 miles northeast of Gold Beach. The lookout features magnificent panoramic views from the Pacific Ocean around to the Wild Rogue Wilderness and the scenic Illinois River canyon. The single-room lookout tower is offered as a Forest Service rental for up to 4 people. The lookout is set atop an 8-foot tower with a railed catwalk around the outside.

Lake of the Woods Lookout, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon

Lookout Features

The rustic Lake of the Woods Lookout is equipped with a propane stove and lights. Furnishings include a table and 2 chairs, a double bed, foot stool, broom, fire extinguisher, and propane heater. Renters must bring their own propane bottles for the heater only. These are the small propane bottles used for camp stoves. . A solar shower is available, but guests must bring their own water. There is no water or electricity in the lookout.

Outside next to the lookout are a picnic table and a campfire ring. A pit toilet is nearby. While there is room for a single tent, the ground is very rocky.

What Guests Need to Bring

Visitors to Lake of the Woods Lookout need to bring a substantial supply of water for their needs - drinking, cooking, cleaning, and the shower. They also will need to provide their own bedding or sleeping bags, sleeping pads, toilet paper, flashlights, first aid kit, matches, washcloths and towels, silverware, cooking gear, 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: Lake of the Woods Lookout and Recreation.gov - Lake of the Woods Lookout

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Lake of the Woods Lookout Basics
Lake of the Woods Lookout Location: 26 miles by road northeast of Gold Beach. Follow directions on Forest Service website: Lake of the Woods Lookout.
Elevation: 3,419 feet
Nearby Gateway Cities: Gold Beach - 26 miles
Roseburg - 105 miles
Open - Closed: Open May through October, depending on weather
Max. People: 4
Maximum Number of Vehicles: Not specified
Pets: Pets are welcome.
Operated by Rogue River-Siskiyou Natioial Forest
Information Gold Beach Ranger District:
(541) 247-3600   M-F, 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM and then 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM

Lake of the Woods Lookout Reservations
Reservations Available Lake of the Woods Lookout Reservations are available from 10 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Wheelchair accessible sites: None
Maximum length of stay: 5 nights
Cabin Rental Fees: $65 per night
Cabin Reservations: Lake of the Woods Lookout Reservations
Check-in, check-out: Check-in: 1:00 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM

Lake of the Woods Lookout Amenities
Lookout Interior: Propane stove and lights, propane heater (renter supplies camp-stove-style propane for heater), table, 2 chairs, foot stool, double bed, broom, fire extinguisher, solar shower (renter supplies water).
Cabin Exterior: Pit toilet, picnic table, campfire ring, room for 1 tent (but ground is very rocky)
NOT included: Visitors need to bring water for their needs - drinking, cooking, cleaning, and the shower; bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, sleeping pads, toilet paper, flashlights, first aid kit, matches, washcloths and towels, silverware, cooking gear, wine opener, dish soap and garbage bags.
Attractions near Lake of the Woods Lookout:
  • Bring binoculars to further enjoy the views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Nearby Lake of the Woods is a shallow pond surrounded by wildflowers and home to birds and butterflies.
  • Enjoy hiking and mountain biking on local roads and trails.
  • At night enjoy stargazing far from the interference of city lights.
  • Hike on the Iron Mountain Trail from the Iron Mountain South Trailhead.





Lake of the Woods Lookout Access

"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."

Forest Service Cautions

"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."

Forest Service Notice

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.

Advice from Previous Visitors

Don't trust Google maps. Follow Forest Service website directions. There are GEOCACHES around and this is a very interesting geological area. Be prepared for missing items (such as a heater) and features that might be broken - bring battery-powered lanterns and flashlights, warm clothing, and perhaps a propane-powered camp stove.

Greater Lake of the Woods Area
Attractions and Activities

  • Hike from the Panther Ridge-Bald Knob trailhead choosing the Panther Ridge trail leading to Buck Point through the Wild rogue Wilderness.
  • Enjoy mountain biking on local roads and trails.
  • 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 to the Coquille River Falls Trailhead and hike the short, but steep Coquille River Falls Trail to the falls.
  • In 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.

Lake of the Woods Lookout Regulations

  1. The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility.
  2. The cabin must be thoroughly cleaned before departure. Leave behind no food or other items you brought to the cabin.
  3. Clean up after your dog.