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BOLAN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT, OR

Status: Closed through Mon Jul 08 2013   Season Dates
1 site(s) found
ALL (1)
CABIN NONELECTRIC (1)

Overview

Bolan Mountain Lookout is surrounded by glass windows on all sides, providing visitors with an unparalleled view of the sheer drop-offs sharp cliffs, and breath-taking views of the rugged Siskiyou Mountains.

The current structure was built in 1953 to replace an original lookout that once stood in its place. The historic lookout is available for rent during the snow-free season, and guests must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

From the lookout, guests are treated to expansive views of the Red Buttes and Siskiyou Wilderness areas, Preston Peak and Bolan Lake. To the north are far views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Illinois River Valley. On a clear day, even Mount Shasta is visible to the southeast.

Bolan Lake is a 12 acre, high mountain lake with a shoreline of Douglas fir, pine and hemlock. A dip in the cool waters provides much needed relief from a hot summer day. Clear nights provide guests with a dazzling display of stars and planets.

Recreation:

Hikers may enjoy spending a day hiking the Bolan Lake Trail down to Bolan Lake. Hemmed in by conifer forest, the lake is stocked with trout, and is an ideal setting to enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating such as kayaking or picnicking at its banks.

The lookout is also a prime spot for nature and scenic photography due to the stunning vistas provided. For visitors interested in astronomy, Stargazing is a popular activity on clear nights.

Facilities:

The 14 x 14 foot one room cabin is designed to house only one or two people, and offers a primitive camping experience. The 30 to 40 steps up to the lookout are steep and uneven, so visitors should use caution when climbing to the main cabin.

The room is equipped with a table, two chairs, a single bed without a mattress, a footstool, cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher. A primitive vault toilet is located near the lookout.

No water is available on site, so guests must pack in water for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own camp stove, light source, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags.

Nearby Attractions:

Visit Crater Lake National Park and learn about its unique natural and cultural history. Reaching depths of 1,943 feet deep, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the 10 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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Hiking
  • Pit Toilets
  • SINGLE BED PLATFORM (NO MATTRESS)
  • Stargazing
  • Table and Chairs
  • Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Lake Access
Know Before You Go
  • No water is available at this site
  • Entry to the lookout is by key. Please call the Wild Rivers Ranger District office at (541)592-4000 four days prior to arrival to confirm pick up and drop off of the key. To arrange to pick up your key for weekends, holidays or after hours, please call during business hours. The key can be picked up at the district office, located at 26568 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction during regular business hours. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed on weekends and holidays.
  • Because of the height of the tower, this rental is not recommended for families with toddlers or young children
  • Pets are welcome at this facility
  • All garbage and food must be packed out
  • The lookout tower is a no-smoking facility
  • Port-Orford cedar root disease is a concern in southwest Oregon. This disease can be transported through mud or dirt on vehicles. You must wash your vehicle, including the undercarriage, before you enter National Forest lands.
  • The area around the lookout contains sensitive plants; plant collecting is prohibited
  • Learn more about Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

    Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
42.01611, -123.45944
42°0'58"N, 123°27'34"W

From Cave Junction, travel south on Highway 199 for 6.4 miles to the Happy Camp Road. Turn left and travel 17.3 miles on Forest Service Road 46/Happy Camp road to the junction with Forest Service Road 4812. Turn left and travel 4.1 miles to the junction of Forest Service Road 4812-040 (the road to Bolan Lake Campground). Turn left again, and travel 1.1 miles to Forest Service Road 535. Turn right and travel 1.6 miles to the lookout. Forest Service Road 535 is gated.

The lookout can be accessed by passenger car, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Early summer access can be hampered by late season snow pack. Parking is available just below the lookout.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

BOLAN MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
26568 REDWOOD HIGHWAY
CAVE JUNCTION OR 97523

Phone Number:

Information: (541)592-4000