OutReserve

Bald Butte Lookout (fremont-winema National Forest, Or)

Bald Butte Lookout Exterior 1
Bald Butte Lookout (fremont-winema National Forest, Or)
Bald Butte Lookout (fremont-winema National Forest, Or)
Bald Butte Lookout (fremont-winema National Forest, Or)
Bald Butte Lookout (fremont-winema National Forest, Or)

About Bald Butte Lookout (fremont-winema National Forest, Or)

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.

Number of accommodations: 1

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 closed - Opens on Jun 15

Sites & Availability

1 Site Available

Site
Price
🏠 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT
2 guests · Pet Friendly
$40.00
/ per night

Reviews (18)

What Guests Are Saying

Bald Butte Lookout offers a beautiful and well-maintained trail with stunning scenery, making it a bucket list experience for many visitors. The area features amenities like a clean dump station and new cots, enhancing the overall camping experience. However, some maintenance issues, such as fly problems and road conditions, need attention to improve the stay for future guests.

Review Summary

3.3
18 reviews
5
38.9%
7
4
11.1%
2
3
16.7%
3
2
5.6%
1
1
27.8%
5

Regis K

Verified

August 4, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

3

Road is overgrown with many downed trees. Door handle is broken on the lookout cabin. Need windows with screens.

Charlee C

Verified

June 22, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

3

Very pretty during rare good weather, Has some broken windows and the heater did not work, aka just bring extra blankets and it's perfect!

Amanda T

Verified

August 13, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

1

We drove four and a half hours to find the cabin was infested with horseflies and unacceptable to sleep in. Even after killing all that were buzzing about, more proceeded to find their way in around the ceiling, and many were dead on the floor when we arrived. Ended up having to drive an extra hour and a half to a motel with vacancy.

Michael M

Verified

August 2, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

1

The views were awesome but the cabin had a massive Fly infestation with no less than 300 dead flies on the floor and probably a few hundred flying around. Granted we are not hard core campers but even after trying to clean it up, we could not get rid of all the flies and we ended up sleeping in our car / tent outside the structure and only stayed 2 nights. Other than than, really cool and the night time views were off the charts.

Mark D

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

1

We are experienced outdoor types with extensive travel experience on Forest lands. The trip started out on a wrong foot when we encountered road closures put in place many months in advance and NO notification without much digging on the poor Fremont Winema web site. Luckily we were equipped with maps and an hour and a half later traveling many back roads we arrived at dusk. Based on photographs of the lookout accommodations we brought bedding for a bed. Upon arrival we discovered 2 wire cots in TERRIBLE condition NOT a bed as shown on the ancient non updated web site. We slid the cots together and made the best of it but it was one of the most miserable night in memory. The heating system was abysmal. No control...on or off. The cabin had all the trim between the walls and where the roof came down removed so every bit of heat dissipated with none for the cabin...oh the night temps were 15 degrees. We stayed one night and left...TERRIBLE. Fix the place BEFORE renting! Worst Lookout experience ever...

Paige L

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

This was an absolutely amazing experience. The road up to the cabin was definitely a bit sketchy, but once you are there you feel like you are the only people in the world. It is truly a magical place and a hidden gem. We were the last folks to stay for the season and so it was a quite chilly at night and during the middle of the night "outhouse visits", but worth every second of it. My husband and I both teared up as we left, we felt this place melded somehow with our souls. We hope to return there for sure.

David A

Verified

January 15, 2020 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

4

The view was really nice. Staying up to watch the moon rise was worth it.

Anonymous

5

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Google Maps

Location Bald Butte Lookout (fremont-winema National Forest, Or)

Address:
303 Hwy 31
Paisley, OR, 97636
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 42.6144 / -120.79

Elevation: 2296 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

No water is available at this site

General

This is an accessible site

General

Entry to the cabin is by combination lock. The lock combination will be provided in your reservation confirmation letter. Please stop by or call the Paisley Ranger District (541) 943-3114 to pick up the lock combination. Office hours are 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

General

Please contact the Ranger District prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit.

General

Pets are welcome at this facility

General

All garbage and food must be packed out

General

The lookout is a non-smoking facility

General

Learn more about theFremont-Winema National Forest.

General

Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

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