Robert DuBois
January 6, 2026 Google Maps
Snow snow snow, colors, photography! Love it!
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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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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
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
Reviews
46 reviews
Summary
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
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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Johnny Timbertree
March 31, 2026 Google Maps
***DISCLAIMER*** My review is for a very specific area within this forest. It is not intended to broadly apply to the entire Fremont-Winema forest.
How can people feel good about leaving the forest in this state? There might be a backstory to this situation that helps explain why it is like this, regardless it hurts to see the forest in this condition. My pictures say it all. These "camps" were scattered along the Williamson River (even the river was littered with refuse). So sad.
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jorge orozco
June 4, 2026 Google Maps
Beautiful majestic place
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Elissa W
VerifiedJuly 2, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT
This was by far our best camping trip of the year! Bald Butte has the best fuse and great facilities! We were able to cook dinner on the stove and the heater kept us nice and warm at night. Plenty of room for cots and gear inside and the nice little table and chairs. The picnic table in our house work well and the Butte has the perfect sunset view, the sunsets were insane! We are definitely hoping to come back at sometime and we can’t recommend this more!
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Heather S
VerifiedJuly 31, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT
Sunsets and sunrises are amazing!! LO was comfortable, propane heat and stove worked great! Newer cots. Some flies, but not bad. Last 2 mi in were a bit rough, but easy to navigate the ruts. Recent repairs to siding. Contributed to cleaning supplies and cleaning. Not a sole to be seen the entire drive in and out. A couple of fisherman at nearby lakes. Dead horse lake is great to spend the day at and not far away. Highly recommend for a peaceful getaway!
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Vanessa B
VerifiedAugust 23, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA BALD BUTTE LOOKOUT
Was finally able to stay here for the Perseids peak, and it was an incredible experience. Previous reviews had me a little nervous, but you can tell there have been improvements. The cots were very comfortable, especially with added Thermarests. 1 of the lanterns wouldn't light even after a wick replacement, but one provided plenty of ambient light. The stove also worked great! Highly recommend using the bathroom with the door open; epic view. I drove my truck there, but didn't need to engage 4wd. High clearance recommended, but I could have made it in my AWD wagon.
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Location & Directions for Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-winema National Forest, OR)
303 Hwy 31, Paisley, OR 97636 United States
Elevation: 2,296 ft
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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Paisley, OR
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service