Bear Basin Butte Lookout / Pierson Cabin
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Nearest dump station
- Aspen Point Dump Station · 88.1 mi
- Coordinates
- 41.8091, -123.7422
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Are you seeking solitude, awe-inspiring views, a quiet haven away from crowds, or perhaps you ' ve wondered what life would be like for a fire spotter in the Forest Service? While fire lookouts may be passing into history, they remain objects of interest for many people, both for their beautiful locations and the mystique surrounding existence in a high and remote site. Now you have an opportunity to feel for yourself what it ' s like to live in a fire lookout. The Bear Basin Butte Lookout is situated high atop a narrow mountain ridge and offers a 360° view of the Siskiyou Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The Six Rivers National Forest invites you to experience life at the top of Bear Basin Butte through rental of a historic fire lookout and a new 1930s style cabin.See more photos by clicking on the Photos and Multimedia Link on the right sidebar.Bear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin Brochure, rev. 2-2015 - PDFBear Basin Lookout and Pierson Cabin Brochure, rev. 2-2015 - Word
From the USFS.Official page
Is this site free?
No. this site charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to this site?
Driving to Bear Basin Butte LookoutDistance from Smith River NRA Visitor Center: 21.5 miles Driving time: approximately 1 hourDirections from Smith River NRA Visitor Center, 10600 U.S. Highway 199, Gasquet, California 95543: DUE TO ROAD 17N05 (JAWBONE ROAD) BEING CLOSED FROM DAMAGE THIS WINTER, ALL ACCESS MUST BE OBTAINED VIA SOUTH FORK ROAD AND 16N02 OVER SHIP MOUNTAIN. THIS ROUTE ADDS ABOUT 1 HOUR TO COMMUTE (APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS,40 MILES ONE WAY) THIS IS THE ONLY ACCESS TO THIS FACILITY AT THIS TIME UNTIL THE ROAD CAN BE REPAIRED. 18 MILES OF THIS ROUTE IS NOT PAVED AND HAS AREAS OF WASHOUT. HIGH-CLEARANCE VECHILES OR 4X4 ADVISED.
What are the rules at this site?
Pets are not allowed in the cabin or lookout.
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
