As dusk falls and the sun sets, enjoy spectacular views overlooking Eden Valley to the north, the Rogue River to the south, and the forests beyond, from the lookout perched on the top of Bald Knob. Evening slides into night, offering a brilliant sky ablaze with stars. As dawn breaks the next morning, stroll around the catwalk encircling the lookout and watch the sunrise over the Cascades. Bald Knob Lookout is located near the Wild Rogue Wilderness, offering opportunities for day hikes..
Bald Knob Lookout, at 3,630 feet above sea level, rests atop a twenty-one foot tower. The 16 x 16 foot one-room flat top cabin is equipped with basic amenities, including propane stove, heater, refrigerator and lights. Furnishings include a single bed and a small table and chairs. Be sure to pack sufficient camping equipment, such as bedding and cooking supplies. There is no water on site, so visitors must also bring water for drinking, cooking and washing.
- Availability: Bald Knob Lookout is available for rent Memorial Day weekend through October 31st, depending on the weather.
- Price and Capacity: $65 per night per group, with a maximum of four occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
- Reservations: The maximum length stay is fourteen consecutive nights. Phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.recreation.gov
History
Bald Knob was originally developed as a lookout site in 1931 when a gable-roofed "L-4" style lookout was built here. The Forest Service removed the old lookout in 1963 and replaced it with the present flat top structure that same year. Bald Knob served as an Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) observation station during 1942-44 (a small cabin was added for the observers to live in); the AWS program ended in 1944 when radar became effective along the Coast.
Until the 1950s, communication was by crank telephones (which meant a lot of work maintaining the phone line during winter, when snow typically caused a lot of trees to come down and break the line). No real effective FS radio system from any of the lookout perched on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest existed until after the Second World War.
