Bald Knob Lookout

Lookout building on ridge with Forest Service i.d. sign, communications tower, green shrubs and conifer trees backed by blue sky.
View from Bald Knob Lookout
View from Bald Knob Lookout
Interior of Bald Knob Lookout
Interior view of Bald Knob Lookout

Featured amenities

Bedrooms Bedrooms

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

1 total site

Cabins

1 site

About Bald Knob Lookout

Bald Knob Lookout is perched atop Bald Knob at an elevation of 3,630 feet in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The lookout offers visitors a unique lodging experience and panoramic views of the surrounding area. Originally developed in 1931 as a lookout site, Bald Knob served as an Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) observation station between 1942 and 1944. The Forest Service removed and replaced the original with the present flat top structure in 1963. The lookout tower is available for reservations from Memorial Day through October, and guests must bring several of their own amenities to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.

Number of accommodations: 1

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Birding

Birding

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Photography

Photography

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 15 to Sep 30

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Bedrooms Bedrooms
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane

Cabin Interior

  • Bedrooms
  • Heating
Cabin Outdoor Features

Cabin Outdoor Features

  • Deck or Patio

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (18)

What Guests Are Saying

Bald Knob Lookout offers a beautiful setting with stunning sunsets and a clean cabin, making it a unique experience overall. While there are no propane facilities, and access requires some effort, two nearby hikes enhance the visit. Guests recommend bringing your own cooking equipment and water, and to check directions carefully before arriving.

Review Summary

4.0
18 reviews
5
55.6%
10
4
16.7%
3
3
11.1%
2
2
5.6%
1
1
11.1%
2

Bridget M

Verified

December 18, 2019 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

4

Solid lookout! LONG, windy drive, but that usually means you have the area to yourself right? Would stay again, with more time! Lots of trails around, but ended up lounging at the lookout. Would have liked to stay at least 2 nights to do more activities. Reception is out most of the drive, but picks up a little for Verizon once you're in the tower. Also, do NOT use a map application to the address. Use the ones provided by the reservation.

Kristen Z

Verified

December 19, 2019 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

5

Beautiful location, I know you wouldn't expect anything less ;). Not another soul for MILES

Todd B

Verified

January 16, 2020 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

5

Beautiful scenery, and a secluded waterfall is nearby. We went in the dead heat of summer and it was 100 degrees outside, which made it a very hot night in the tower, but the reward was having the waterfall and trail down the hill all to ourselves.

The tower was very clean inside, and the last person to use it left in great shape. We watched the sun come up in the morning and took photos, and they are some of the most popular pics I've ever shared to my Instagram (@oddtoddpnw.jpg)

Would highly recommend it if you can find an open day on the reservation schedule!

PENNI F

Verified

January 18, 2020 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

5

Had a great time but the noise from the camera turning around all the time was not OK.

Kristen B

Verified

August 1, 2022 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

5

Great lookout and amenities! I have stayed in quite a few lookouts and this by far had the nicest accommodations with a toilet with disposable toilet paper well stocked (I've stayed in a few without), propane stove, refrigerator, sink, oven, two beds, clean counter and floor with cleaning supplies. The road was very nice for a lookout and can be reached without four wheel drive. Forest service road 33 on the way there was unique with the pot holes and dips spray painted pointed out which really helps you avoid the possible flat tire (spray painted was better than nothing). The other roads were very smooth for gravel. The beauty did not disappoint with the brilliant forest, wonderful sunrise/sets, fog coming up the hillside and overall awe with the flowers below. The surrounding hikes that are included in the lookout book were wonderful, easy to get to from the lookout and gorgeous including all the waterfalls. I would love to stay in more lookouts like this one! Nice work Recreation.gov and the Powers Ranger Station crew for keeping up this wonderful place.

Chad G

Verified

August 29, 2022 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

1

Was not provided with information to access to the lookout

Jaclyn M

Verified

November 7, 2022 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

1

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

Andrew W

Verified

July 31, 2023 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

4

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.

Corey M

Verified

August 4, 2023 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

5

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.

Evan G

Verified

September 25, 2023 Stayed at: C1, Loop: AREA BALD KNOB LOOKOUT

5

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.

Location Bald Knob Lookout

Address:
42861 Hwy 242
Powers, OR, 97466
United States

Highway access

Access to Bald Knob Lookout is via OR-42 and Highway 242, which are the nearest major roads. OR-42 is approximately 23 miles from the campground.

Distance to downtown

22 mi drive to downtown Powers (about 53 min)

Policies & Rules

General

  • Maximum capacity of the tower is four occupants at any one time
  • Pets are not allowed at this facility
  • All garbage and food must be packed out
  • The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility
  • Learn more about Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 3, 2026

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