BALD KNOB LOOKOUT Campground - 1 Sites, Maps & Photos

Visitors to the Bald Knob Lookout will be treated to spectacular views overlooking Eden Valley to the north, the Rogue River to the south, and the forests beyond. The unique character of the landscapes comprising the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has led to over 340,000 acres of the Forest to be preserved as a designated wilderness area, and over 200 miles of streams as National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Diverse landscapes provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, from spotted owls and bull elk to salamanders and sandhill cranes. These species, along with many others, depend on the undeveloped wilderness, undisturbed wetlands, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

Recreation: Hiking, birding, and wildlife viewing are popular among guests to this lookout. Seasonal changes envelope the area as snow melt gives rise to spring time flowers, and vivid autumn colors welcome a landscape blanketed with snow. The Panther Ridge Trail is accessible from the facility and follows an historic Native American travel corridor. Approximately 95% of this trail is within the Wild Rogue Wilderness, and is closed to any kind of motorized vehicles or equipment. The trail travels under magnificent stands of old-growth timber and through rhododendron and scrub oak undergrowth. Another notable trail is the nearby Coquille River Falls Trail. The hike switches back and forth through a virgin stand of undisturbed Douglas-fir, hemlock, and Port-Orford cedar trees, ending at the Coquille River Falls. Learn more about the geology of waterfalls along the Coquille River.

Nearby: Visit Crater Lake National Park and learn about its unique natural and cultural history. Reaching depths of 1,943 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the ten deepest lakes in the world. Experience 172 miles of diverse river and mountain landscapes along the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway. Travel from rolling oak-covered hills and towering coniferous forests, to roaring white water rapids and incised inter-canyon lava flows. The highway travels alongside the Upper Rogue and North Umpqua Wild and Scenic Rivers that contain world-class fisheries.

Phone: (541)439-6200 WEEKDAYS 8-4:30. IF YOU NEED RESERVATION ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION AFTER 4:30 OR ON W
Facilities: The 16 x 16 foot one-room flat top cabin's furnishings include a single bed and a small table and chairs. Due to recent vandalism to propane tank and winter storm damage, there will be no propane heat, stove, refrigerator, and lights available until the next 2026 season. Outside amenities include a picnic table and campfire ring. A primitive vault toilet is located approximately 100 feet from the tower. There is no water on site, so visitors must bring plenty of their own for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also supply their own food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags. Please bring your own light source. The site has sufficient space for one small tent, but strong winds could blow a tent off the mountain unless adequately weighted down inside.
Directions: From Portland take 1-5S to OR-42 West. Take OR 542 S to Powers. Drive south from the Powers Ranger District office on Highway 242 through the town of Powers to the Forest boundary. Continue on Forest Service Road 33 along the South Fork of the Coquille River for approximately 11.5 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 3348. Travel up Forest Service Road 3348 approximately 2 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 5520. Turn right, and the pavement ends. Take Forest Service Road 5520 for 2 miles, then turn right on Forest Service Road 5520-020, and follow this spur road approximately 2 miles to a gate. Go through the gate and continue through a second gate to the end of the lookout road.REMARK: <ul><li>Road 3343 is closed to thru traffic and will not access to Look Out. Access the Look Out from Fores Service Road 3348 to Forest Service Road 5520.</li><li>Forest Service Road 5520 has recent winter storm damage and is safely passable with High Clearance Vehicle 4 x 4 vehicle.</li></ul>