Bald Butte Lookout, located one hour twenty minutes east of Paisley, Oregon, is perched atop the windy summit of Bald Butte in the Fremont-Winema National Forest. It is surrounded by forested hillsides and tremendous views of the Gearhart Wilderness, Dead Horse Rim, and snowcapped peaks, including Mount Shasta. The lookout was built in 1931 with materials packed in on horseback and served as a fire detection site for over 50 years.
Due to the lack of vegetation on Bald Butte, there isn’t any shade, but the high elevation and mountain breezes stabilize the temperature. The windows open in the lookout, keeping the inside cool and the air circulating. The cozy 14’ x 14’ space sleeps two people comfortably. Besides the double bed and mattress, guests will find a table, bench, and storage cabinets. Other amenities include a propane stove and heater, refrigerator, sink, lights, and a few dishes. A vault toilet, picnic table, and fire ring complete the outside features. There is no water on site, so guests must bring sufficient supplies for drinking, cooking and washing.
At night the lookout provides an unforgettable setting for stargazing, thanks to its exposed summit. Bald Butte Lookout offers restful views, convenience to hiking trails and tranquility and seclusion that’s reachable by car (you can drive right up to the lookout.)
- Availability: Bald Butte Lookout is available for rent June 15 through October 15, depending on snow levels.
- Price and Capacity: $40 per night, per group, with a maximum of two occupants Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
- Reservations: Online at: www.recreation.gov or by telephone at 877-444-6777.
History
Built in the summer of 1931, Bald Butte Lookout served as a Forest Service fire detection site for over 50 years. It was constructed from an Aladdin L4 Ground-mounted Lookout kit; 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.
By 1992, the lookout was abandoned and reduced to shambles by vandals and the elements of weather. Fortunately, a number of Fremont-Winema National Forests employees took an interest in restoring the old lookout as a Passport in Time project to preserve it for the future and provide a recreational rental opportunity for forest visitors. Forest Service employees worked together during the 1993 and 1994 summers to restore the lookout and build the period furniture from original 1930s plans.
