Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Lake of the Woods Lookout - Oregon

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

History

The lookout is located approximately 21 miles northeast of Gold Beach, Oregon. It was first located on Barklow Mountain on the Powers Ranger District. The R6 (Flat Roofed) cabin, originally a "ground house" (the lookout cabin was built on the ground, not on top of a tower), was flown by helicopter to the present location and placed on an eight-foot tower with a catwalk in 1974. Lake of the Woods Lookout was staffed during fire seasons from 1974 to 1996.

Description

The lookout, a one-room cabin surrounded by windows, accommodates one to four people. It is equipped with a propane stove, refrigerator and lights, and is furnished with a table and two chairs, a double bed, foot stool, broom and fire extinguisher. Visitors should be prepared for a rustic camping experience, and will need to bring sufficient equipment, including bedding and cooking supplies. On site, adjacent to the lookout, are a picnic table and a fire pit for outdoor barbeques. (During periods of extreme fire danger there will be restrictions for outdoor burning). An outhouse is located near the lookout. No water is available on site; visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Area Attractions & Activities

Far away from city lights, gaze for hours at the brilliant night sky, searching for constellations, planets and the occasional meteor slashing the inky blackness. During the day, explore several old logging roads nearby, whether by foot or mountain bike. In the spring the Lake of the Woods, which is actually a fairly small shallow pond, is surrounded by wildflowers. Watch for birds and butterflies. As summer progresses, the lake fills in with tall reeds and grasses.

Amenities

• Outhouse
• Picnic Table
• Fire Pit
• Propane Heater
• Refrigerator

There is sufficient room for one tent, but the ground is extremely rocky.

Pets

Pets are welcome.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From the north end of the town of Gold Beach, turn east off of US Highway 101 onto County Road 595. This road becomes Forest Service Road (FSR) 33. Travel approximately 27 miles to the town of Agness. Continue approximately 9 miles on FSR 33 to FSR 3336. Turn left and travel 8.2 miles to FSR 141. Pass through the gate and continue another 0.75 mile to the lookout.

Travel time from Gold Beach is approximately one and a half hours on narrow, paved and gravel roads. Forest Service roads are generally one lane gravel roads with pullouts. Many people use these roads, including logging trucks and recreational vehicles. Drive slowly, stay to the right at all times, and use pullouts. Above all, be alert and drive defensively.

Storm Warning

Lightning storms are a part of the thrill of staying at a lookout, but they are also extremely dangerous. If a lightning storm should occur, visitors are urged to follow these safety rules to minimize the danger. Stay indoors or completely inside your car. If you are trapped outside during a lightning storm, move to lower ground and stay low to the ground. Do not stand under trees or other high objects. If you are in the lookout building, close the windows and doors. Lightning follows air currents. Do not touch anything metal. The Lookout has metal stairs and a metal walkway around the cabin. It is imperative you do not stand at these locations during storms.

During periods of intense summer storms a Forest Service Fire Officer may need to use the lookout for short periods of time to spot fires. If you spot a fire while at the lookout, report it to the Forest Service as soon as possible.