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

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.

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.

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).

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).

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).

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

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

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

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!

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!