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

Featured amenities

Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity

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.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

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Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
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Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Bedrooms Bedrooms
Sleeping Capacity Sleeping Capacity
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
  • Propane

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Sleeping Capacity

Views and Setting

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C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

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  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
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Reviews

43 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Lake of the Woods Lookout offers stunning views and a charming, rustic experience, complete with a propane cooktop and basic supplies. Guests recommend bringing your own bedding and essentials, as the lookout lacks heating and some amenities. While access can be challenging and Google Maps directions are not reliable, the trip is deemed worthwhile for the beautiful surroundings and unique stay.

Based on guest feedback

4.4

Overall rating

Based on 43 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 67.4% (29)
4 stars 23.3% (10)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 9.3% (4)

Showing 43 reviews

Marissa M

Verified

September 16, 2024 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

Enjoyed my stay here. The lookout tower is well set up with basic necessities, it was raining during my stay but I was warm and dry throughout the night. The drive from town took approx 2 hours and I had some difficulty unlocking the padlocks, but it was worth the unique experience:)

Helpful

Marissa M

Verified

September 16, 2024 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

Enjoyed my stay here. The lookout tower is well set up with basic necessities, it was raining during my stay but I was warm and dry throughout the night. The drive from town took approx 2 hours and I had some difficulty unlocking the padlocks, but it was worth the unique experience:)

Helpful

Kathy P

Verified

May 19, 2025 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

2nd time to the Lake of the Woods Fire Lookout. Absolutely stunning views and beautiful surroundings. The Lookout is equipped with a propane stove for cooking but you have to pack in everything else. Double mattress and box springs works great if you bring sleeping bags as it has been well used. Nice wooden table for dining and playing games with benches. Stairs are steep.

Gold Beach Ranger District says they have issues with people getting lost in finding the lookout. DO NOT USE THE GOOGLE MAP LINK that is on Recreation Northwest website. Go to US Forest Service Page and print out the driving directions. And watch for the signs coming from Gold Beach and you cross the Rogue River and it’s an easy drive to the gate for the Lookout.

Helpful

Kathy P

Verified

May 19, 2025 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

2nd time to the Lake of the Woods Fire Lookout. Absolutely stunning views and beautiful surroundings. The Lookout is equipped with a propane stove for cooking but you have to pack in everything else. Double mattress and box springs works great if you bring sleeping bags as it has been well used. Nice wooden table for dining and playing games with benches. Stairs are steep.

Gold Beach Ranger District says they have issues with people getting lost in finding the lookout. DO NOT USE THE GOOGLE MAP LINK that is on Recreation Northwest website. Go to US Forest Service Page and print out the driving directions. And watch for the signs coming from Gold Beach and you cross the Rogue River and it’s an easy drive to the gate for the Lookout.

Helpful

Ken R

Verified

June 17, 2025 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

Bare bones lookout. Beautiful setting and way off the main roads. Minimal supplies so plan to take everything you need including plates, cups, silverware.

No heater while I was there, solar shower is just a stall with no water reservoir.

Helpful

Ken R

Verified

June 17, 2025 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

Bare bones lookout. Beautiful setting and way off the main roads. Minimal supplies so plan to take everything you need including plates, cups, silverware.

No heater while I was there, solar shower is just a stall with no water reservoir.

Helpful

Michelle H

Verified

September 8, 2025 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

This look out comes with a full size bed and some furniture as well as a small gas cooktop stove and propane lights. There are some pots and pans, utensils, and cooking supplies as well as some cleaning supplies. One thing that is not provided at the lookout is heat so if you are staying when cold make sure you are prepared. Gorgeous views especially the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean!

Helpful

Michelle H

Verified

September 8, 2025 Stayed at: C01, Loop: AREA LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT

This look out comes with a full size bed and some furniture as well as a small gas cooktop stove and propane lights. There are some pots and pans, utensils, and cooking supplies as well as some cleaning supplies. One thing that is not provided at the lookout is heat so if you are staying when cold make sure you are prepared. Gorgeous views especially the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean!

Helpful

Location & Directions for Lake of the Woods Lookout

29279 Ellensburg Avenue, Gold Beach, OR 97444 United States

Elevation: 1,013 ft

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 R...

Nearest town

Gold Beach, OR - 26 mi

About 54 min to downtown

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: November 2, 2026

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Explore Gold Beach, OR

Population: 2,466

Nearby city: Medford, OR

Approx. 67 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 52 ft

Gold Beach, OR

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service