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Squaw Peak Lookout was constructed in 1942. It is an L-4 style cabin, and is on the National Historic Site Registry. The lookout is surrounded by glass windows on all sides, providing visitors with an unparalleled view of the steep drop-offs and breath-taking views of the rugged Siskiyou Mountains. This historic lookout is available for rent during the snow-free season with a maximum length of stay being 5 consecutive nights. Guests must bring most of their own amenities.
The lookout is also a prime spot for nature and scenic photography due to the stunning vistas provided. For visitors interested in astronomy, stargazing is a popular activity on clear nights.
The 14 x 14 foot one room cabin is designed to house only one or two people, and offers a primitive camping experience. The room is equipped with a small wooden table, and the center of the building has a working Osborne Firefinder on its work table. Broom, mop, and fire extinguisher are on site, as well as a small storage box with toilet paper, forest and ranger district maps and information about the lookout and its surroundings. A primitive 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, sleeping pad, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, and garbage bags.
From the lookout, guests are treated to expansive views of the Red Buttes Wilderness area, Squaw Lake and the Little Applegate Valley. To the north are far views of the Rogue Valley and Mt. McLaughlin and to the east is Wagner Butte and Dutchman Peak. On a clear day, visitors can see the rim of Crater Lake, Mt. Bailey and Mt. Thielson. Clear nights provide guests with a dazzling display of stars and planets.
The United States Congress designated the Red Buttes Wilderness in 1984 and it now includes a total of 19,940 acres. Management of the Red Buttes Wilderness, located on the California/Oregon border, is shared by the Klamath National Forest and the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest. The majority of the Wilderness lies within the boundaries of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Several lakes are accessible in the forest. Squaw Peak looks south to Squaw Lakes, a semi-primitive developed recreation area that accepts camping reservations from May through September. Applegate Lake is a large reservoir with boat ramps, campgrounds, viewpoints and a developed recreation area named Hart Tish. Both Squaw Lakes and Applegate Lake are open for fishing year-round.
Starting in Jacksonville, drive on Highway 238 west 8 miles to the town of Ruch. Turn left on Upper Applegate Road and proceed 10.2 miles to Forest Road 20, (Beaver Creek Road). Turn left and go 4.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 20 and Forest Road 2010 (Hanley Gulch Road). Turn right and go 5.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 2010 and Forest Road 2010/350. Open the locked gate with the combination on your reservation slip, and re-lock the gate behind you. Go 1 mile to Squaw Peak Lookout.
It's beautiful! There is only one cot so bring additional if you don't want to sleep on the floor. There weren't any people near by and you could definitely hear animals so if you're scared of nature this is not for you. Other than an outhouse there are no amenities. Its just a shelter with an amazing view. A great place to unplug and enjoy nature. The road up is a steep narrow gravely road but I made it in a Corrolla.
Squaw Peak Fire Lookout is an L-4 style, with windows on all 4 sides, not what I'd call a "cabin". It can be rented thru the Forest Service.. The road is gated, and the gate is locked for security. Help law enforcement by taking a picture of vehicles on your wilderness travels, as the pictures my help catch poachers and vandals. Please leave no trace!
Gorgeous 360 degree views! Made it up and down the mountain three times in a Prius. There’s a fire pit although we didn’t use it. Spent a day at Squaw lake which has an easy 3 mile hike around the perimeter.
Amazing views! There are two tables. One you can move around. One wood chair. There is plenty of room for 4. I recommend bringing a sleeping pad or even an air mattress! Follow the directions in the email. Don’t just trust the GPS!
