Onion Mountain Lookout
01 review2164 NE Spalding Avenue, GRANTS PASS, OR, 97526, USA
Onion Mountain Lookout
$3.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Reservation service fees are $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person. Recreation use fees vary by location and activity. Cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations.
About this campground
Perched high above southwestern Oregon's rugged wilderness, Onion Mountain Lookout beckons adventurers seeking an unforgettable escape. This historic fire tower, rising 12 feet into the sky at 4,438 feet elevation, crowns its namesake peak with a cozy 14x14-foot cabin that serves as your private window to the world. Perfect for solo travelers or couples, this rustic retreat strips away modern distractions, inviting you to reconnect with nature while surrounded by endless mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon.
Onion Mountain Lookout offers a mix of lodging and camping options, including the rental of a historic lookout cabin and nearby tent sites.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at Onion Mountain Lookout, where forest guardians have kept watch since 1916. This venerable outpost has witnessed over a century of change, from its early days spotting smoke plumes to its wartime service as an Aircraft Warning Station. The current tower, erected in 1952, stands as a testament to Oregon's firefighting heritage—a place where solitary watchers once scanned the horizon for danger, protecting the vast forests below. Today, you can experience this same commanding perspective, feeling the weight of history in every weathered beam.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Onion Mountain into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering between a crisp 27°F and 39°F, and an average of nearly two inches of snow dusting the landscape. While winter adventurers can experience the lookout's serene, snow-kissed solitude (with a 37% chance of precipitation), most visitors find spring and summer ideal for their mountain escape. These warmer months promise azure skies, comfortable temperatures, and easier access to this lofty perch above the clouds.
ElevationAt 4,438 feet above sea level, Onion Mountain Lookout offers a true alpine experience where the air grows thin and crisp, and the everyday world falls away beneath layers of mountain ridges. This lofty elevation brings refreshingly cool temperatures even in summer, while winter visitors should come prepared for snow-laden adventures. The height rewards those who make the journey with unobstructed 360-degree views that seem to stretch forever—a perspective that puts life's challenges into proper perspective.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your eagle's nest atop Onion Mountain, witness nature's grand theater unfold in every direction. Wave after wave of forested ridges create a mesmerizing tapestry of green that shifts with the light, while distant peaks pierce the sky like ancient sentinels. Early summer transforms the summit into a botanical wonderland, where delicate Bear Grass blooms wave in the mountain breeze alongside cushions of Snow Mountain Buckwheat and vibrant purple penstemon—a high-altitude garden that seems to float above the world.
Geological RegionOnion Mountain rises from the heart of southwestern Oregon's dramatic landscape, where ancient geological forces sculpted a realm of soaring peaks and deep valleys cloaked in old-growth forest. The mountain earned its savory name from the wild onions that once carpeted its slopes, though today visitors are more likely to discover the summit's signature wildflower display. In early summer, Bear Grass stalks stand like nature's exclamation points among carpets of Snow Mountain Buckwheat and purple penstemon, creating an alpine garden that celebrates the resilience of life at elevation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified in the authoritative materials.
Sites SizeThe tent area includes space for four to five tents. Specific dimensions beyond this are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels of campsites are not explicitly discussed.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose the lookout for its panoramic views and stargazing opportunities. Ensure all necessary supplies are brought as amenities are minimal.
Best CampsitesSingle lookout cabin with space for four or five tents outside.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific time listed.
Check-out
No specific time listed.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of up to 7 nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Designed for one or two people in the lookout. Additional tents permitted nearby.
Groups
Group sites are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle tower with adjacent space for up to five tents.
Open and Closed SeasonCurrently closed to reservations until further notice.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website, contact center, or in-person methods.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation unavailable regarding walk-up/first-come-first-served sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival date, but late cancellations starting 14 days before check-in incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee. Additional penalties may apply depending on reservation type and timing.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Onion Mountain Lookout can engage in hiking, mountain biking, stargazing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails offer stunning mountain views, old-growth forests, and natural swimming pools. At night, the lookout offers a prime location for stargazing due to its expansive night sky.
Hiking
Hiking trails throughout the area provide mountain views, old-growth forest canopies, and natural pools for swimming. The Taylor Creek/Onion Way mountain loop is a popular trail among mountain biking enthusiasts.Swimming
Natural pools for swimming are available along the hiking trails.Biking
Mountain biking is popular, especially on the Taylor Creek/Onion Way mountain loop.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is popular, with early summer showcasing Bear Grass, Snow Mountain Buckwheat, and purple penstemon.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Avoid bringing firewood from other regions to prevent invasive species spread. Smoking is prohibited inside the lookout.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours listed.
Hazards
General hazardsGravel roads may challenge access. No water on site; visitors must bring adequate supplies for hydration and cooking. Tower design may pose safety hazards for small children.
Active alertsFacility closed to reservations until further notice.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Wild Rivers Ranger District office in Grants Pass. Additional services include hospitals and police stations within the Grants Pass city limits.
Good to know
Peak season datesUnavailable as facility is closed to reservations.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not available on-site; visitors must pack out all garbage and food.
Proximity to water featuresNo significant water features mentioned. Clear mountain pools are accessible via nearby trails.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention lack of access for non-Forest Service personnel. Review sentiment ratings related to campgrounds are low (1.0).
HostNo host information provided; managed by the Wild Rivers Ranger District office.
Campground Map
2164 NE Spalding Avenue, GRANTS PASS, OR, 97526, USA
Driving directionsFrom Grants Pass travel Highway 199 south to Riverbanks Road (milepost 7-just past the Applegate River) and turn right. Proceed on Riverbanks Road, 5.5 miles to Shan Creek Road and turn left. Travel 8 miles on this gravel road to Forest Service Road 2509 and turn right. Proceed 0.75 miles to the Onion Mountain gate. Note: Onion Mountain Lookout is accessible by car, but the last 8.75 miles are on graveled Forest Service roads. Entry to the lookout is by a key obtained from the Wild Rivers Ranger District office at 2164 NE Spalding Avenue in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Onion Mountain Lookout is accessible by car; however, the last 8.75 miles require travel on gravel Forest Service roads, which may pose challenges for certain vehicles.Nearby places
Grants Pass (7 miles to Riverbanks Road + additional miles to lookout gate)
Nearby supplies
Grants Pass offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations. Supplies must be obtained before driving to the lookout, as the facility lacks access to water and stores.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Onion Mountain Lookout has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Onion Mountain Lookout are sparse, with limited details on the camping experience. One user review noted restricted access for non-forest service personnel.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the unique lodging experience in the lookout cabin and its panoramic views.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints highlight restricted access for non-forest service personnel.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water and garbage bags, and preparing for a remote experience.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not explicitly mentioned; visitors should plan for variable weather conditions at high elevations.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
Direct review quote: 'No access for non forest service personnel.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews were not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews addressing accessibility features were not provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome at the facility, but specific reviews from pet owners are not available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025