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

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Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

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

Victoria Smith

Victoria Smith

July 16, 2024 Google Maps

We use the dump station. Clean and easy. Debit card 12.00$ fresh drinking water and we’re off camping with fresh holding tanks.

Helpful

John R

Verified

July 18, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

As the last 2 reviewers said, it needs some work. I would start with putting screening up at the roof/wall connection. The outhouse desperately needs a new door handle to keep the door shut. We had our own stove, so didn't light the one there and I put new mantles on the lights and they worked great. You have to push in the lever and then up to light. Didn't need the heater as the weather was a cool mid 60s and felt really good after all the heat in Central Oregon.
We hiked the 450 road to the west for a mile+, went down to the North Fork Sprague River and checked that out, along with the Ingram Cabin that was in the area. We also had a great glass of wine on the picnic table and watched a wonderful sunset. So there were some positives to the trip of 14th-16th of July. One more positive were the brand new cots (2) left there, still in the box. They were pretty comfy but I would suggest some padding as they were firm.
On the not so good side, the flies that greeted us when we opened the door, hundreds dead on the floor and a few still buzzing around. I took insect spray so I got rid of the flying ones and then swept up everything. I would suggest more sticky fly paper if you go and maybe a new plastic tablecloth for the table, I left the insect spray for the next guests. They really weren't bothersome after that, thankfully.

Helpful

John R

Verified

July 18, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

As the last 2 reviewers said, it needs some work. I would start with putting screening up at the roof/wall connection. The outhouse desperately needs a new door handle to keep the door shut. We had our own stove, so didn't light the one there and I put new mantles on the lights and they worked great. You have to push in the lever and then up to light. Didn't need the heater as the weather was a cool mid 60s and felt really good after all the heat in Central Oregon.
We hiked the 450 road to the west for a mile+, went down to the North Fork Sprague River and checked that out, along with the Ingram Cabin that was in the area. We also had a great glass of wine on the picnic table and watched a wonderful sunset. So there were some positives to the trip of 14th-16th of July. One more positive were the brand new cots (2) left there, still in the box. They were pretty comfy but I would suggest some padding as they were firm.
On the not so good side, the flies that greeted us when we opened the door, hundreds dead on the floor and a few still buzzing around. I took insect spray so I got rid of the flying ones and then swept up everything. I would suggest more sticky fly paper if you go and maybe a new plastic tablecloth for the table, I left the insect spray for the next guests. They really weren't bothersome after that, thankfully.

Helpful

John R

Verified

July 18, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT

As the last 2 reviewers said, it needs some work. I would start with putting screening up at the roof/wall connection. The outhouse desperately needs a new door handle to keep the door shut. We had our own stove, so didn't light the one there and I put new mantles on the lights and they worked great. You have to push in the lever and then up to light. Didn't need the heater as the weather was a cool mid 60s and felt really good after all the heat in Central Oregon.
We hiked the 450 road to the west for a mile+, went down to the North Fork Sprague River and checked that out, along with the Ingram Cabin that was in the area. We also had a great glass of wine on the picnic table and watched a wonderful sunset. So there were some positives to the trip of 14th-16th of July. One more positive were the brand new cots (2) left there, still in the box. They were pretty comfy but I would suggest some padding as they were firm.
On the not so good side, the flies that greeted us when we opened the door, hundreds dead on the floor and a few still buzzing around. I took insect spray so I got rid of the flying ones and then swept up everything. I would suggest more sticky fly paper if you go and maybe a new plastic tablecloth for the table, I left the insect spray for the next guests. They really weren't bothersome after that, thankfully.

Helpful

Jay Bigford

Jay Bigford

March 28, 2025 Google Maps

Bucket list experience

Helpful

Smith

Smith

September 19, 2025 Google Maps

We use the dump station. Clean and easy.

Helpful

Michael Shaw

Michael Shaw

October 14, 2025 Google Maps

Long beautiful well kept trail , with lake next to trail. Did not see the lake going up the trail, but it showed its self on the way back down .

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