About LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT
Overview Lake of the Woods Lookout is surrounded by mountainous terrain, forested hillsides and spectacular views within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southwestern Oregon. The flat-roofed cabin was originally a "ground house" located on Barklow Mountain in the Powers Ranger District. It was flown by helicopter to its present location and placed on a 12 ft. tower and catwalk in 1974. It was then staffed during fire seasons from 1974 to 1996. The lookout offers some amenities, but guests are asked to bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a safe and comfortable stay. Recreation Hiking, mountain biking and stargazing are popular among guests at the lookout. Seasonal changes envelope the area as snowmelt gives rise to spring time flowers, and vivid autumn colors welcome a landscape blanketed with snow. Logging roads and trails extend from the area, providing guests with opportunities to explore the area's old-growth forests, rugged and steep river canyons and a variety of wildlife. Far away from city lights, the lookout provides a fantastic opportunity for stargazing. Guests to the lookout search for constellations, planets and are treated to an occasional meteor slashing the night sky.Facilities The lookout is a one-room cabin, able to accommodate up to four people. It is equipped with a double bed with a mattress, a table and two chairs, a propane stove, solar lights, cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher. Shower stall is provided, however, guests must provide the water. On site, adjacent to the lookout, there is a picnic table and a campfire ring for outdoor dining. A pit toilet is also located outside the tower. There is sufficient room for one tent, but the ground is extremely rocky. Guests to this lookout should be prepared for a rustic camping experience, and will need to bring several of their own supplies. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring a sufficient amount for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide thei
How to Get There
From Portland take 1-5 S to OR 38W, Follow US 101 to Gold Beach. From Gold Beach, Oregon, on the north end of the town, turn east off of US Highway 101 onto County Road 595 (Jerry's Flat Road). Travel east on County Road 595 which becomes Forest Road 33. Turn left at 11.4 miles on to Forest Road 3310, cross bridge and go 13.7 miles. Stay to the right at the fork and turn on Forest Road 3340. Stay on this road for 5.1 miles. Turn left here onto Forest Road 141 - look for the gate in this 5-road junction. Lookout is 0.75-mile up Forest Road 141 spur. Caution! Road is rough. Travel time from Gold Beach is approximately 1.5 hours and 30.2 miles 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.From Powers, Oregon. At this moment, we don't recommend taking the Forest Service Road 3340. It is impassable. Instead, take the Forest Service Road 3336 to the Lookout.You can also, follow the following links for directions:Route 1: Jerrys Flat Rd, Lobster Creek Bridge, FR3310, FR3340, LOW.STEP 1.https://maps.app.goo.gl/H8KVHucariPmPVDq5STEP 2.https://maps.app.goo.gl/8QBa2Q4EVzZnDppi7Lake of the Woods FULL DIRECTIONS:https://maps.app.goo.gl/FX7WwTuxfiDTkqKi6 orhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/vyAro9QgXjKoThQt5Route 2: Powers, OR, FR3300, FR3336, LOW.https://maps.app.goo.gl/b3cSyNQ4fqJW7pvT9
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT
Heading to LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT? 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT?
No central reservation system listed for LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234158) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT?
From Portland take 1-5 S to OR 38W, Follow US 101 to Gold Beach. From Gold Beach, Oregon, on the north end of the town, turn east off of US Highway 101 onto County Road 595 (Jerry's Flat Road). Travel east on County Road 595 which becomes Forest Road 33. Turn left at 11.4 miles on to Forest Road 3310, cross bridge and go 13.7 miles. Stay to the right at the fork and turn on Forest Road 3340. Stay …
How do I contact LAKE OF THE WOODS LOOKOUT?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-247-3600.
References & Official Resources