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 Pet Friendly

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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
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Closed periods
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Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
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001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

$40
/ per night
🏠 Cabin
  • 2 guests
  • Pet Friendly

Site Details

Up to 2 guests
Pet Friendly
View Site Details

Reviews

46 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Bald Butte Lookout offers stunning sunsets and sunrises, comfortable accommodations with propane heat and newer cots, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway. Reviewers praise the facilities, including a working stove and ample space for gear. While the last two miles of access can be rough, the beautiful surroundings and nearby lakes enhance the overall experience, despite some concerns about litter in other forest areas.

Based on guest feedback

2.9

Overall rating

Based on 46 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 30.4% (14)
4 stars 8.7% (4)
3 stars 19.6% (9)
2 stars 6.5% (3)
1 star 34.8% (16)

Showing 46 reviews

Charlee C

Verified

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

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!

Helpful

Amanda T

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Amanda T

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Amanda T

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Michael M

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Michael M

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Michael M

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Mark D

Verified

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

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...

Helpful

Paige L

Verified

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

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.

Helpful

Mark D

Verified

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

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...

Helpful

Location & Directions for Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-winema National Forest, OR)

303 Hwy 31, Paisley, OR 97636 United States

Elevation: 2,296 ft

Nearest town

Paisley, OR - 24 mi

About 54 min to downtown

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: October 23, 2026

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Explore Paisley, OR

Population: 249

Elevation: 4,370 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service