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Bald Butte Lookout is perched atop the windy summit of Bald Butte in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in south-central Oregon. It is surrounded by forested hillsides and expansive views.
The lookout was built in 1931 and served as a Forest Service fire detection site for over 50 years. It was constructed from an Aladdin L4 ground-mounted lookout kit in which all of the pieces were pre-cut in six-foot lengths or less so the entire kit could be packed by horses into the remote site. The total cost of the structure at the time was $668.49 and only took a few days to assemble.
At one time, hundreds of these types of lookouts were in service throughout the Pacific Northwest. Today only two such structures remain in Oregon, providing a unique lodging experience for guests seeking recreation and relaxation.
The lookout offers basic amenities, though for guests to enjoy their experience completely, they must bring several of their own supplies.
Hiking, birding, stargazing and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Bald Butte Trail is a quiet all-season trail that offers a variety of terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers traverse large open meadows filled with summer wildflowers, heavily wooded forests and ridgetop scrambles along Oak Ridge Trail and Surveyor's Ridge Trail, overlooking the Hood River Valley. Trails in the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness are also nearby.
At night the lookout provides an ideal setting for stargazing, as constellations and planets put on a dazzling display.
The 14' x 14' lookout is furnished with two cots, a table, bench and storage cabinets. It is also equipped with a propane heater, cook stove, and lights. An outdoor picnic table and an accessible vault toilet are also on-site.
There is no water on-site, so guests must bring sufficient supplies for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own sleeping bags, linens, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper, ice cooler and garbage bags. Although lighting is available, it is recommended that guests bring an additional light source in case of emergencies.
Fremont National Forest is known for its towering snow-capped peaks, volcanic landscapes, wide-open sage basins, scenic vistas and wild places where visitors can still find solitude.
Nearby Gearhart Wilderness offers 22,823 acres of scenic views and primitive recreational opportunities. Throughout the remote area, streams rush through narrow meadows and Blue Lake lies nestled beneath a canopy of mixed-conifer forests. Rock formations cap most of the high elevation ridge tops.
From the Paisley District Office, travel 0.5 miles north on Highway 31 and turn left on Mill Street. Stay on Mill Street to the Y junction (turns into gravel at this point) , then turn right on Forest Road 3315. Continue on Forest Road 3315 for 21 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 28, and travel 0.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 3411. Turn right on Forest Road 3411 and travel 2 miles to Forest Road 450 (450 is not marked, there is a sign that says Bald Butte with an arrow). Turn right on Forest Road 450; this leads to the top of Bald Butte. The last 2 miles of road on Forest Road 450 to Bald Butte Lookout are minimally passable for low clearance or highway vehicles. The road is steep, rough and may have large rocks that should be moved. Large RVs are not recommended on this road.
Amazing sights on top. Very cold. It hailed in the middle of June. One of the roads to it is totally undrivable, covered in fallen trees. The other road is up kept and drive able in a 4 wheel drive vehicle. The propane heater works great. The only caveat is that you have to light it with some matches. The electric striker didn't seem to work. The first day there it was very very windy. The next day was a lot better. Wear layers. The wind chill can be unbearable at times.
The road to the top, last mile or two, is terrible. Subaru Outback or better, we had 4 weel drive. Also the road is overgrown so expect some pinstriping.
Lookout number 6 for us. This lookout was probally number 2 for views. The only reason it's not a 5 star is there is a horse fly infestation. I had to battel to the death for 45 min while the wife waited outside. Luckily we read another review that also said this so we brought bug spray and a fly trap, they do mellow out at night.
Also look carefully at the lock. The combo code given was correct but look for the dashes as where to enter, it's not the center position as you would assume.
There is two cots, not a bed like many others. We brought an air matress. Also you need to bring your own toilet paper and water, but that's pretty standard.
Visited in 2019, and loved this place for how secluded it is. We wandered the dirt road during the days and happened on some cool old history! The lookout does have flies, as others have mentioned, and can be warm. For sure bring something soft for the cots. But overall, having stayed in several forest service facilities, this one is a great memory.
Beautiful views. Cabin had propane lights, heater, and a stove. Two fold out cots were also provided. There was a rock fire ring for a campfire and the path to the vault toilet was paved. Bring your own toilet paper and water and everything. Road to get there requires a vehicle with some clearance. The place is quiet and secluded. Can get a little windy. Rustic getaway but perfect for what we wanted.
