BEAR BASIN LOOKOUT AND CABIN

About BEAR BASIN LOOKOUT AND CABIN

Overview On a high, narrow mountain ridge at 5,280 feet, Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin offer visitors an awe-inspiring experience and a quiet haven away from crowds. Excellent views of the Siskiyou Wilderness to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west are why visitors love staying in the heart of the Six Rivers National Forest of northern California. The current lookout building was previously situated at Camp Six, where it was used to spot forest fires. That structure was moved from Camp Six to Bear Basin Butte in 1996. The original Bear Basin Butte lookout existed in the 1930s. During the summer and early fall months (July 1 - September 30), the rental includes both the lookout tower and a modern 1930s-style cabin built in the 1990s. This is a remote location. Access to the cabin is variable and the road is not maintained for winter use. High-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, and guests are also advised to carry chains and a shovel. Guests should note that even during the summer, the paved portion of the road (South Fork Road) frequently has numerous rocks and debris. The last half mile of the access is on a steep gravel road. Quality tires and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Bird watching is available, as well as great hiking opportunities in the nearby Siskiyou Wilderness. Please don't forget to pick up a Siskiyou Wilderness Map at your nearest Forest Service Visitor Center or local outdoor store before venturing into the wilderness. Horseback riding trails may be accessed nearby, and wildlife viewers may catch a glimpse of deer or bears, which make their home in the area.Facilities The lookout and cabin can accommodate up to eight guests, but up to 12 guests are permitted for an extra fee. The cabin has an entry room with a countertop suitable for organizing supplies and preparing food. Three double

How to Get There

Driving to Bear Basin Butte Lookout: Take Highway 199 to milepost 24.85, ten miles east to Gasquet. Turn onto Little Jones Creek Road. Stay on the paved road (FS16/17N05 Jawbone Road) for 9.7 miles. Turn left on 16N02 and go .5 miles. Locked gate to lookout access road is on left. Distance from Smith River NRA Visitor Center: 21.5 miles Driving time: approximately 1 hour Directions from Smith River NRA Visitor Center, 10600 U.S. Highway 199, Gasquet, California 95543: Travel east on Hwy 199 10.6 miles (mile post 24.73) to Little Jones Creek Road (a.k.a. FS 16/17N05/Jawbone Rd). Follow signs to Bear Basin Lookout, staying on the paved road. About 5.8 miles up Jawbone you will have your first view of the lookout. At about 20.5 miles (10 miles on Jawbone), turn left onto 16N02 and continue to gate at 20.8, following sign to Bear Basin Lookout.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to BEAR BASIN LOOKOUT AND CABIN

Heading to BEAR BASIN LOOKOUT AND CABIN? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)