Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-winema National Forest, OR)

Bald Butte Lookout Exterior 1
Bald Butte Lookout Exterior 2
Bald Butte Lookout Exterior 3
Bald Butte Lookout Interior 1
Bald Butte Lookout View 2

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly

Sites & Rates

1 total site · $40.00 avg/night

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 open - Jun 15 to Oct 15

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

$40.00
/ per night
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 2 guests
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews (41)

What Guests Are Saying

Bald Butte Lookout offers beautiful scenery with well-maintained trails and a lake nearby, making it a great spot for photography and relaxation. Visitors enjoyed the clean dump station and new cots provided at the lookout, as well as peaceful moments like wine on the picnic table during sunset. However, there are concerns about maintenance, including fly issues, the outhouse door, and road conditions that need improvement.

Review Summary

2.8
41 reviews
5
24.4%
10
4
9.8%
4
3
22.0%
9
2
7.3%
3
1
36.6%
15

ROBERT S

Verified

July 6, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

1

Needs some work.

Brian J

Verified

June 25, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

1

Horrible… just horrible. The road is almost impassable and the lookout needs major work. Had two nights and stayed a few hours and decided to leave. This lookout should be shut down and not rentable

Brian J

Verified

June 25, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

1

Horrible… just horrible. The road is almost impassable and the lookout needs major work. Had two nights and stayed a few hours and decided to leave. This lookout should be shut down and not rentable

Brian J

Verified

June 25, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

1

Horrible… just horrible. The road is almost impassable and the lookout needs major work. Had two nights and stayed a few hours and decided to leave. This lookout should be shut down and not rentable

Bryony M

Verified

October 19, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

3

We were the last ones to stay in the lookout for the 2023 season. It was a great little hangout for our family after the eclipse!

We had a relative stay in 2017, and the wear on the structure is very evident. Many of the shutters have broken off, two window panes are in bad shape, the "indoor" door handles on both the lookout and bathroom are falling off, one of the two propane lights doesn't work, and both mantles were broken. The oven portion of the stove also wouldn't light, and one of the two cots is duct-taped together.

Bryony M

Verified

October 19, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

3

We were the last ones to stay in the lookout for the 2023 season. It was a great little hangout for our family after the eclipse!

We had a relative stay in 2017, and the wear on the structure is very evident. Many of the shutters have broken off, two window panes are in bad shape, the "indoor" door handles on both the lookout and bathroom are falling off, one of the two propane lights doesn't work, and both mantles were broken. The oven portion of the stove also wouldn't light, and one of the two cots is duct-taped together.

Bryony M

Verified

October 19, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

3

We were the last ones to stay in the lookout for the 2023 season. It was a great little hangout for our family after the eclipse!

We had a relative stay in 2017, and the wear on the structure is very evident. Many of the shutters have broken off, two window panes are in bad shape, the "indoor" door handles on both the lookout and bathroom are falling off, one of the two propane lights doesn't work, and both mantles were broken. The oven portion of the stove also wouldn't light, and one of the two cots is duct-taped together.

Chloe L

Verified

August 17, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Fantastic stay. Way better than expected!
We took 3 different roads to get there and out and all were in decent condition (mostly paved), the very last leg up top would be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Washed out spots, washboard spots. Google Maps was a great option.
The cabin was clean and well stocked (previous guests had left extra water, flashlights, games, bug spray, and TP). A sweep was needed as the trapped bugs had not survived the heat. The evening was windy so opening the windows got rid of unwanted bug visitors. I took pictures of the cabin and the interior of the cabinets on the Google listing if anyone's curious to see what they look like. Someone had posted a video there, which was really helpful in knowing what to expect and what to bring.
The propane was shut in 3 different spots (2 inside, 1 outside). It was easy enough to open it and make it work. We closed it in the spot closest to the stove when we left (against the recommendations posted) because there was a faint gas smell when not shut.
The skies were clear and perfect for stargazing (Perseid meteor shower). The nights were quite windy but the cabin remained surprisingly pretty quiet).

Chloe L

Verified

August 17, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Fantastic stay. Way better than expected!
We took 3 different roads to get there and out and all were in decent condition (mostly paved), the very last leg up top would be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Washed out spots, washboard spots. Google Maps was a great option.
The cabin was clean and well stocked (previous guests had left extra water, flashlights, games, bug spray, and TP). A sweep was needed as the trapped bugs had not survived the heat. The evening was windy so opening the windows got rid of unwanted bug visitors. I took pictures of the cabin and the interior of the cabinets on the Google listing if anyone's curious to see what they look like. Someone had posted a video there, which was really helpful in knowing what to expect and what to bring.
The propane was shut in 3 different spots (2 inside, 1 outside). It was easy enough to open it and make it work. We closed it in the spot closest to the stove when we left (against the recommendations posted) because there was a faint gas smell when not shut.
The skies were clear and perfect for stargazing (Perseid meteor shower). The nights were quite windy but the cabin remained surprisingly pretty quiet).

Chloe L

Verified

August 17, 2023 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

5

Fantastic stay. Way better than expected!
We took 3 different roads to get there and out and all were in decent condition (mostly paved), the very last leg up top would be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Washed out spots, washboard spots. Google Maps was a great option.
The cabin was clean and well stocked (previous guests had left extra water, flashlights, games, bug spray, and TP). A sweep was needed as the trapped bugs had not survived the heat. The evening was windy so opening the windows got rid of unwanted bug visitors. I took pictures of the cabin and the interior of the cabinets on the Google listing if anyone's curious to see what they look like. Someone had posted a video there, which was really helpful in knowing what to expect and what to bring.
The propane was shut in 3 different spots (2 inside, 1 outside). It was easy enough to open it and make it work. We closed it in the spot closest to the stove when we left (against the recommendations posted) because there was a faint gas smell when not shut.
The skies were clear and perfect for stargazing (Perseid meteor shower). The nights were quite windy but the cabin remained surprisingly pretty quiet).

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

Arrival & departure

  • Access to the cabin is controlled by a combination lock, and the combination will be given in the reservation confirmation.

Utilities

  • This site does not have water access.

Accessibility

  • This site is accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Local regulations

  • Contact the Ranger District before arrival to check for any restrictions or conditions that could impact your stay.

Pets

  • Pets are allowed at the cabin.

Safety & rules

  • Guests must pack out all trash and food.
  • Smoking is prohibited in the lookout.

General

  • Learn more about theFremont-Winema National Forest.

Fires & fuel

  • To protect local forests, do not move firewood; obtain it near your camping spot.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: July 11, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service