OutReserve

Lake of the Woods Lookout

Mountain view with lake and fir trees.
LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT
LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT
LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT
LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

About Lake of the Woods Lookout

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.

Number of accommodations: 1

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Birding

Fishing

Hiking

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 9 to Oct 31

C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (42)

What Guests Are Saying

Lake of the Woods Lookout offers stunning views and a peaceful retreat, making it a unique experience for visitors. The lookout is equipped with basic necessities, including a propane cooktop and a comfortable full-size bed, though guests are advised to bring their own bedding and supplies. However, navigating to the lookout can be challenging due to rough roads, and there are some maintenance issues, such as a non-functional heater and minor repairs needed.

Review Summary

4.4
42 reviews
5
66.7%
28
4
23.8%
10
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
9.5%
4

John G

Verified

October 28, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

5

It was awesome. Words can't describe it and pictures don't do it justice. Although I'd love to share some.
The sunsets and the sunrises competed to take my breath away but the stars might've won the battle. While I didn't have to look up to enjoy them because they were all around me as if I was on top of the world. It was like being in a space ship. LOL
Incomparable to anything I've experienced.
Thanks for the memory 😁
The gas stove worked great. Everything was clean. The bed was soft. The road was a fine for my little 2 wheel drive Ford Ranger.
I would highly recommend it.

John G

Verified

October 28, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

5

It was awesome. Words can't describe it and pictures don't do it justice. Although I'd love to share some.
The sunsets and the sunrises competed to take my breath away but the stars might've won the battle. While I didn't have to look up to enjoy them because they were all around me as if I was on top of the world. It was like being in a space ship. LOL
Incomparable to anything I've experienced.
Thanks for the memory 😁
The gas stove worked great. Everything was clean. The bed was soft. The road was a fine for my little 2 wheel drive Ford Ranger.
I would highly recommend it.

Lex G

Verified

October 26, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

5

The place was amazing, hope to get it again

Lex G

Verified

October 26, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

5

The place was amazing, hope to get it again

Shylah H

Verified

August 12, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

1

DO NOT GO HERE without LIFTED VEHICLE!!! You need a Jeep/Truck to access. We couldn’t make it in our AWD Tucson. We have made it to other towers before but the road has steep hills with GIANT potholes you will not make it if you are not lifted. We had to turn around 6 miles from the cabin because we couldn’t access it. We never made it.

They will NOT refund you if you can not access the road. They will tell you they will but deny it when you actually put it through. Worst Customer service by the Rangers. I advised them to change their website so that it includes LIFTED AWD VEHICLES and they did not BEWARE!! You are gambling with this tower and Rangers help

Shylah H

Verified

August 12, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

1

DO NOT GO HERE without LIFTED VEHICLE!!! You need a Jeep/Truck to access. We couldn’t make it in our AWD Tucson. We have made it to other towers before but the road has steep hills with GIANT potholes you will not make it if you are not lifted. We had to turn around 6 miles from the cabin because we couldn’t access it. We never made it.

They will NOT refund you if you can not access the road. They will tell you they will but deny it when you actually put it through. Worst Customer service by the Rangers. I advised them to change their website so that it includes LIFTED AWD VEHICLES and they did not BEWARE!! You are gambling with this tower and Rangers help

David A

Verified

August 9, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

4

The view of the stars here was amazing and it was the perfect night because the moon wasn’t out.

For the shower you have to bring your own solar shower

Stove worked well

Someone left surprise gummies in one of the cabinets

David A

Verified

August 9, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

4

The view of the stars here was amazing and it was the perfect night because the moon wasn’t out.

For the shower you have to bring your own solar shower

Stove worked well

Someone left surprise gummies in one of the cabinets

Samantha L

Verified

June 20, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

4

Well....when reading what little reviews there were for this lookout, I was confident in making the treck in my new Rav4. Not so much. You will NEED a truck or Jeep of some kind. The last 0.75 miles up NF 141 was GNARLY. I had already got a flat tire out on the logging road to get out about 20 miles deep into the mountain. Once we got the tire changed into a doughnut, we still had about eight miles to go before reaching the cabin. Follow the Rec.gov directions and make sure you have a high enough vehicle. No cell service so be careful with directions and watch for forest signs along the road. Lookout did not have a heat source but we didn't even need our sleeping bags, just blankets! No bugs, and minimal wildlife. Very nice outhouse (with an even better view). This was my sixth lookout and it did not disappoint! Views of the Pacific Ocean and parts of California really made this lookout special. Thank you for keeping this going!

Samantha L

Verified

June 20, 2022 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

4

Well....when reading what little reviews there were for this lookout, I was confident in making the treck in my new Rav4. Not so much. You will NEED a truck or Jeep of some kind. The last 0.75 miles up NF 141 was GNARLY. I had already got a flat tire out on the logging road to get out about 20 miles deep into the mountain. Once we got the tire changed into a doughnut, we still had about eight miles to go before reaching the cabin. Follow the Rec.gov directions and make sure you have a high enough vehicle. No cell service so be careful with directions and watch for forest signs along the road. Lookout did not have a heat source but we didn't even need our sleeping bags, just blankets! No bugs, and minimal wildlife. Very nice outhouse (with an even better view). This was my sixth lookout and it did not disappoint! Views of the Pacific Ocean and parts of California really made this lookout special. Thank you for keeping this going!

Location Lake of the Woods Lookout

Address:
29279 Ellensburg Avenue
Gold Beach, OR, 97444
United States

Highway access

Lake of the Woods Lookout is accessible via US Highway 101, which is approximately 11 miles from Gold Beach, Oregon. Travelers can reach the campground by taking OR 38W and then US 101.

Latitude & Longitude: 42.5939 / -124.128

Elevation: 1013 feet

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by USDA Forest Service