Lake of the Woods Lookout
Campground · Oregon · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Siskiyou National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 1
- Bookable site
- up to 4
- People per site
- 3,378 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Lake of the Woods Lookout is surrounded by mountainous terrain, forested hillsides and spectacular views within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southwestern Oregon.The flat-roofed cabin was originally a "ground house" located on Barklow Mountain in the Powers Ranger District. It was flown by helicopter to its present location and placed on a 12 ft. tower and catwalk in 1974. It was then staffed during fire seasons from 1974 to 1996.
The lookout offers some amenities, but guests are asked to bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.
Recreation
Hiking, mountain biking and stargazing are popular among guests at the lookout. Seasonal changes envelope the area as snowmelt gives rise to spring time flowers, and vivid autumn colors welcome a landscape blanketed with snow.Logging roads and trails extend from the area, providing guests with opportunities to explore the area's old-growth forests, rugged and steep river canyons and a variety of wildlife.
Far away from city lights, the lookout provides a fantastic opportunity for stargazing. Guests to the lookout search for constellations, planets and are treated to an occasional meteor slashing the night sky.
Facilities
The lookout is a one-room cabin, able to accommodate up to four people. It is equipped with a double bed with a mattress, a table and two chairs, solar lights, cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher. Shower stall is provided, however, guests must provide the water. On site, adjacent to the lookout, there is a picnic table and a campfire ring for outdoor dining. A pit toilet is also located outside the tower. There is sufficient room for one tent, but the ground is extremely rocky. Guests to this lookout should be prepared for a rustic camping experience, and will need to bring several of their own supplies. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring a sufficient amount for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags. Although lighting is provided, it is recommended guests bring an additional light source in case of emergency.
Natural Features
Lake of the Woods Lookout provides a panoramic view with vistas of the Pacific Ocean, the Kalmiopsis and Wild Rogue Wilderness areas, and the Wild and Scenic Illinois and Rogue River canyons. In the spring, the nearby Lake of the Woods, which is actually a fairly small shallow pond, is surrounded by wildflowers and welcomes the arrival of several species of birds and butterflies. As summer progresses, the lake fills in with tall reeds and grasses. 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.Nearby Attractions
Opportunities for swimming and fishing are within 10 miles of the lookout.The facts
- Season: May (snow accumulation may limit availability) – Late October (snow accumulation may limit availability) — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 1 bookable site
- Up to 4 people per site
- Loops: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT
Site types
- 1 Cabin Nonelectric
Amenities
- Fire pits
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, picnic tables, grills, shade, pets allowed.
1 campsite at Lake of the Woods Lookout
Check-in 1:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C01 | AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT | Cabin Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 4 |
Getting there
From Portland take 1-5 S to OR 38W, Follow US 101 to Gold Beach. From Gold Beach, Oregon, on the north end of the town, turn east off of US Highway 101 onto County Road 595 (Jerry's Flat Road). Travel east on County Road 595 which becomes Forest Road 33. Turn left at 11.4 miles on to Forest Road 3310, cross bridge and go 13.7 miles. Stay to the right at the fork and turn on Forest Road 3340. Stay on this road for 5.1 miles. Turn left here onto Forest Road 141 - look for the gate in this 5-road junction. Lookout is 0.75-mile up Forest Road 141 spur. Caution! Road is rough. Travel time from Gold Beach is approximately 1.5 hours and 30.2 miles on narrow, paved and gravel roads. Forest Service roads are generally one lane gravel roads with pullouts. Many people use these roads, including logging trucks and recreational vehicles. Drive slowly, stay to the right at all times, and use pullouts.
From Powers, Oregon. At this moment, we don't recommend taking the Forest Service Road 3340. It is impassable. Instead, take the Forest Service Road 3336 to the Lookout.
You can also, follow the following links for directions:
Route 1: Jerrys Flat Rd, Lobster Creek Bridge, FR3310, FR3340, LOW.
STEP 1.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/H8KVHucariPmPVDq5
STEP 2.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8QBa2Q4EVzZnDppi7
Lake of the Woods FULL DIRECTIONS:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FX7WwTuxfiDTkqKi6 or
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vyAro9QgXjKoThQt5
Route 2: Powers, OR, FR3300, FR3336, LOW.
42.59389, -124.12833 · 42°35'38.0"N 124°7'42.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 91°F in Aug, down to 51°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 51 | 54 | 59 | 65 | 75 | 81 | 90 | 91 | 86 | 69 | 55 | 51 |
| Low °F | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 43 | 49 | 52 | 52 | 48 | 44 | 40 | 36 |
| Precip in | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.3 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Lake of the Woods Lookout
- Can you reserve a site at Lake of the Woods Lookout?
- Yes, Lake of the Woods Lookout is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Lake of the Woods Lookout have?
- 1 site.
Also listed by
Lake of the Woods Lookout also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Lake of the Woods Lookout's operator.
Camping near Lake of the Woods Lookout
- Bald Knob Lookout 8.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Foster Bar Campground 4.6 mi · Campground
- Oak Flat Campground 6.8 mi · Campground
- Bald Knob Lookout 8.2 mi · Campground
- Laird Lake Campground 8.4 mi · Campground
- Quosatana Campground 8.5 mi · Campground
- Rock Creek Campground 8.6 mi · Campground
- Wildhorse Meadow Dispersed Camping 9 mi · Campground
- Island Campground 10 mi · Campground
- Daphne Grove Campground 10.6 mi · Campground
- Lobster Creek Campground 10.7 mi · Campground
- Grassy Flats Dispersed Campsites 11 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 541-247-3600
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-08-04.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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