Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or)

Star3.15
13 reviews
303 HWY 31, PAISLEY, OR 97636, USA
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

7,470 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open from June 15 to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Fremont-Winema National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or)
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin Nonelectric costs $40 per night during Peak Season (June 15 - October 15). Out-of-season reservations are not available.
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

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Provider
541-943-3114
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What Campers Say

3.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 13 reviews

Most mentioned

views

"The reviews for Bald Butte Lookout are mixed, with positive highlights focused on scenic views, seclusion, and stargazing opportunities. Negative aspects include poor road conditions, insect infestations, and maintenance issues within the cabin."

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Campground Map

303 HWY 31, PAISLEY, OR 97636, USA

Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or)

303 HWY 31, PAISLEY, OR 97636, USA

Driving directionsFrom the Paisley District Office, travel 0.5 miles north on Highway 31 and turn left on Mill Street. Stay on Mill Street to the Y junction (turns into gravel at this point), then turn right on Forest Road 3315. Continue on Forest Road 3315 for 21 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 28, and travel 0.5 miles to the junction with Forest Road 3411. Turn right on Forest Road 3411 and travel 2 miles to Forest Road 450 (450 is not marked, there is a sign that says Bald Butte with an arrow). Turn right on Forest Road 450; this leads to the top of Bald Butte. The last 2 miles of road on Forest Road 450 to Bald Butte Lookout are minimally passable for low clearance or highway vehicles. The road is steep, rough and may have large rocks that should be moved. Large RVs are not recommended on this road.
The last 2 miles are minimally passable for low clearance or highway vehicles due to steep, rough terrain and large rocks. Large RVs are not recommended. 'The road to the top, last mile or two, is terrible,' according to user reviews. Some reviews mention overgrown vegetation and pinstriping risks for vehicles.
Nearby places
Paisley (0.5 miles to Mill Street), other nearby distances not specified.
Nearby supplies
Guests must bring all essential supplies, including water, toilet paper, and sleeping gear. No mention of nearby grocery or fuel locations.

Best Time to Camp at Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or)

Mother Nature rules supreme at Bald Butte, where mountain weather creates its own dramatic theater. Summer nights surprise visitors with their crisp chill, while persistent winds sing through the lookout's windows year-round. Brave souls who venture here during shoulder seasons should come prepared for true alpine conditions—temperatures have plummeted to a teeth-chattering 15°F. Pack your warmest sleeping bag and embrace the invigorating mountain air that makes every sunrise feel earned.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in OR

Open in summer; reviewers praise wildflowers, crisp nights and stargazing during summer months.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into mid-October; scenic but cooler, windier conditions and shorter nights may limit comfort.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed until June 15; spring access is not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site closed outside June 15–Oct 15; winter access and cabin use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 15 to October 15. Closed outside these dates.
  • Current Alerts: Information about road closures and poor road conditions mentioned in reviews but not officially confirmed.

About Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or)

High above the Oregon wilderness, Bald Butte Lookout stands as a sentinel of history and adventure. This rare 1931 Aladdin L4 fire lookout—one of only two surviving in Oregon—invites modern travelers to experience the same sweeping vistas that forest rangers have watched over for nearly a century. From its lofty perch in the Fremont-Winema National Forest, this restored cabin offers an authentic taste of solitude and the romantic appeal of staying in a piece of living history.
Bald Butte Lookout exclusively offers cabin-based accommodations without tent or RV camping options. It caters to visitors seeking a rustic stay with basic amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Bald Butte Lookout provides opportunities for hiking, birding, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and scenic exploration. Specific trails nearby include the Bald Butte Trail and paths within Gearhart Mountain Wilderness. Stargazing is a standout activity due to clear night skies, with one review highlighting the "Perseid meteor shower" as a memorable event.
HikingThe Bald Butte Trail offers quiet all-season hiking with varied terrain such as open meadows with wildflowers, heavily wooded forests, and ridge-top scrambles. Nearby Gearhart Mountain Wilderness also provides hiking options.
Wildlife viewingVisitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, especially during hikes. Bald Butte Trail and Gearhart Mountain Wilderness are noted for their scenic natural environments.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHorsefly and bee infestations mentioned frequently in user reviews. Reports of challenging terrain, cold temperatures, and broken facilities like heaters.
Active AlertsInformation about road closures and poor road conditions mentioned in reviews but not officially confirmed.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or)

Reviews

3.2
13 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Bald Butte Lookout (Fremont-Winema National Forest, Or) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The reviews for Bald Butte Lookout are mixed, with positive highlights focused on scenic views, seclusion, and stargazing opportunities. Negative aspects include poor road conditions, insect infestations, and maintenance issues within the cabin.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests frequently praise the lookout for its scenic views, secluded environment, and opportunities for stargazing. One review states, "It felt like we were the only people in the world...truly a...
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Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Guests commonly report issues with insect infestations, particularly horseflies and bees, as well as the poor condition of the road leading to the site. "The cabin had a massive horsefly and bee...
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Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing bug spray, fly traps, and additional bedding for the cots. Several reviews stress the importance of bringing supplies such as water, toilet paper, and extra blankets due to...
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Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer provides the most favorable conditions for enjoying the lookout, with activities like stargazing and wildflower hikes being mentioned. Winter temperatures make the cabin...
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Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The views were amazing!" (Mark Jones) "This place melded somehow with our souls." (Paige L) "Horseflies and bees forced us out; we ended up staying in a motel." (Amanda T) "The road was terrible,...
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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 001 reviews highlight the cabin's insect issues and maintenance concerns. Guests also mention the site's scenic views and night sky conditions.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to poor road conditions and the inability of low-clearance vehicles to make the journey. The vault toilet is described as accessible.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Guests confirm that pets are welcome but note that the cabin's rustic conditions may challenge pet owners. "Pets are welcome at this facility" is stated in the authoritative source.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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