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

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Featured amenities

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

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

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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

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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.

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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...

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Paige L

Verified

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

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David A

Verified

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

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

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David A

Verified

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

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

Helpful

David A

Verified

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

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

Helpful

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

303 Hwy 31, Paisley, OR 97636 United States

Elevation: 2,296 ft

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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

Campground / RV park