Bald Knob Lookout

This lookout is in a beautiful setting and the cabin is in good shape overall. The wildflowers are stunning. However, the propane tank was vandalized a few months ago and has not yet been repaired so the stove and fridge have been removed and there is no heat. It was completely fogged in the entire time we were there and the temperature in the cabin got down to the low 40s in early July. We hadn't thought to bring a portable heater so it wasn't our best lookout experience.

There are two great hikes nearby - Coquille Falls and Hanging Rock from Panther Ridge.

Such a unique and fun experience. Received a call from the ranger about four days before my reservation for the gate code. Beautiful, clean lookout with gorgeous views all around. The propane is shut off for now and there’s no water source, so I would recommend bringing your own stove, cooler and plentyyyy of water. There is a sink inside the lookout to wash dishes. There are also two twin beds and a small table with two chairs. Be sure to catch the sunrise and the sunset on the deck, and stay up to admire the plenty of stars at night. Do not use the directions via the Recreation website, it took us on a completely different road that ended up being closed. Search it on Google instead and take those directions. A sedan can maybe make it up to the lookout, but I would recommend at least having an all wheel drive because the drive there was unpaved and had some deep spots. Definitely hike Hanging Rock and Coquille Falls while there.

Despite the rain and the fog.. and the propane not working.. we did have a good time! This is the first lookout we have stayed in that has had two twin beds vs a double and that was probably our least favorite part and thing we would change. The directions on the app take you to a road with a landslide.. so that also needs updated!

We enjoyed our quick overnight stay in the lookout. Facility was very clean. The views were amazing with a beautiful sunset and stars galore at night. We hiked at Coquille Falls on the way up to lookout. While at lookout we hiked Panther Ridge that you can get to right from lookout. One spot on the forest road is getting a little deep pot hole on a steep section. Glad we had 4WD for this one pot hole. On our way out we hiked hanging rock. Highly recommend this lookout.

This is my 6th lookout & one of the cleanest ones I’ve stayed in! The lookout had two twin size beds, a propane heater, stove, & refrigerator. Had some trouble with the propane heater, so we just bundled up at night! The sunsets, stars, & sunrises were incredible! Drove past the trailhead to Coquille Falls & the sign said that the trail was washed out after .3 miles. Would definitely recommend this lookout!

Great location but the lookout isn't stocked well. Plan on taking everything you need to cook with.

This was our first fire lookout overnight experience and my wife and I enjoyed it very much. Mid September and the weather was perfect. The 360 view of the stars was very cool. As usual, I packed too many items for the trip because I'm used to either rooftop tent, Jeep camping or minimalist motorcycle camping. Really, a couple of sleeping bags and cooler were all that were needed. Oh, and water too. Plan to find a stick to prop open the privy door as it can be a bit pungent in there. Although having said that, it was great to have a dedicated relief station. The toilet was well stocked with the essential paperwork needed. We didn't use the stove or heater because I brought along my Jetboil for hot water. I'd recommend each person have a good headlamp so your hands are free when going up and down the stairs after dark. The two gas lamps built into the building were very good at lighting the interior. Unless you are used to sleeping on a fairly hard surface, you might consider an air mattress or similar cushioning device. The beds were certainly adequate and the sleeping pad was clean but very firm. Overall, it was great. I am looking forward to staying again next year if we're lucky enough to book it! BTW, the folks at the Powers Ranger Station were really nice and very helpful too when we stopped by for check-in info.

We spent two nights here in July. It was amazing. So peaceful and private. We are a family of five, so the adults used the two twin beds, we set up one kid cot in the lookout, and the other two kids slept in a tent down below. There is a new propane stove/oven combo and a nice cold propane fridge. Not much at all for kitchen supplies so bring all that you need. You will get wind noise at night, but that can be reduced by opening/closing certain windows. There are some books, puzzles etc. We spent time chilling on the deck or down by the fire pit. We also got to witness the birth of the "Flat" fire about 10 miles away. It quickly grew and we could see the tankers coming in to dump retardant. Hiked a few trails in the area, the best being Coquille Falls.
This was our first lookout stay and now we're ready to try the rest of Oregon's lookouts.

This was our first lookout for our family and we enjoyed it. We felt safe and it was a relaxing adventure. The heater was not working, but that’s the only issue we had. Hopefully it’ll be repaired.

No one ever called me about the code. Never got a refund.