Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin

Six Rivers National Forest

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California

Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin

Six Rivers National Forest


Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin

Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin rest on a ridge at 5,280 feet, providing visitors with magnificent views of the Siskiyou Wilderness and to the west, clear out to the Pacific Ocean. This Six Rivers National Forest lookout and Pierson Cabin are offered together as rentals. Located high above the Smith River (shown above) in far northwestern California, the popular lookout and cabin provide a quiet getaway for guests. The lookout and have beds for 6, but have a maximum occupancy of 12.

Bear Basin Butte Lookout, Six Rivers National Forest, CA

Bear Basin Butte Lookout

Lookout Features

Bear Basin Butte Lookout sits 250 feet away from the cabin. Access is via a flight of stairs into the cab. A catwalk with railing surrounds the cab. Inside are windows on all four sides, a table, chairs, double futon, and bookcase. The lookout and cabin havs no water or electricity. A restroom with vault toilet is nearby outside.

Cabin Features

The entryway to the Pierson Cabin passes through a storage room into a single main room. There guests find a double bunk bed, a double bed, a small dining table with 4 chairs, a bench, and bookcase. Firewood is provided in the covered entryway. Cleaning supplies are provided. A restroom with vault toilet is nearby outside.

Bear Basin Butte cabin, Six Rivers National Forest, CA

Bear Basin Butte Cabin and Lookout

Nearby Activities

Hiking and mountain biking on area roads. Doe Flat and Island Lake Trailheads, which access the Siskiyou Wilderness, are within three miles of the lookout. Drive down to Smith River and stop at the Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center.

Read full details about the cabin at
Recreation.gov - Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin
Six Rivers NF - Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin PDF (Pay special attention to Safety Factors.)
Six Rivers NF - Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin.

Shop Amazon: Camping Essentials



Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin Basics
Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin Location: Six Rivers National Forest, southeast of Smith River following South Fork Road off Highway 199. And then Forest Service Roads.
Access Cautions: The last half mile of the access is on a steep gravel road. Quality tires and high-clearance vehicles are recommended.
Elevation: 5,280 feet
Miles/driving time from Gateway Cities: Crescent City - 38 miles, 1:10
Grants Pass, OR - 63 miles, 1:40
Redding - 240 miles, 4:24
Winter storm damage to roads may cause drivers to take longer, alternate route. Check with Six Rivers National Forest. 707-457-3131
Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin Season: July through September, depending on weather
Max. Occupancy: Normally 8 (12 max at $5 per night per additional person)
Maximum Number Vehicles: 4
Pets: Yes
Operated by Six Rivers National Forest
Smith River National Recreation Area 707-457-3131

Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin Reservations
Reservation Window Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Fees: $75 per night
Reservations: Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Check-in and Check-out Times Check-in 2:00 PM
Check-out 12:00 PM

Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin Amenities
Cabin Exterior: Outside the cabin are 3 picnic tables, 4 Adirondack chairs, a fire ring, a wood shed, and an outhouse (vault toilet).
Cabin Interior: Wood-burning stove, bench, bookcase, small dining table with four chairs, and three double beds. The privy and cabin are barrier-free and two picnic tables accommodate wheelchairs.
Lookout Interior: Table, double futon, bookcase, and chairs.
NOT included: Bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, pillows, pots and pans, utensils, dishes, dish soap, towels, food containers (to guard against mice), toilet paper, paper towels, matches, flashlight, battery operated lantern, garbage bags.
Showers: No
Attractions near Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin: Hiking and mountain biking on area roads. Doe Flat and Island Lake Trailheads, which access the Siskiyou Wilderness, are within three miles of the lookout (Pick up a Siskiyou Wilderness Map at Forest Service Visitor Center). Drive down to Smith River and stop at the Smith River National Recreation Area Visitor Center.



Bear Basin Butte Lookout, Six Rivers National Forest, CA


Six Rivers National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors at the Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin find interesting places nearby to explore.

  • Explore the trails in Jedediah Smith State Park. Fish or swim (when water levels are safe) in the Smith River. Fishing for steelhead during the season is excellent.
  • Spend the day relaxing along the Smith River at Panther Flat Campground Day Use Area.
  • Drive up to Oregon Caves, 1½ hours from Bear Basin Butte Lookout.
  • Visit Great Cats World Park in nearby Cave Junction, Oregon. See more than 50 of the great cats of the world - tigers, ocelots, snow leopards, lions, and many more.
  • Visit Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

Check-In Procedure

Access to cabin is by key; contact (707) 457-3131 during regular business hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to arrange pickup at the Smith River Visitor Center in Gasquet, CA.

Key Bear Basin Butte Lookout and Cabin Regulations

  1. To avoid problems with bears, do not leave food outside unattended.
  2. Fires are only allowed in the provided fire ring. All fires must be attended at all times and extinguished before retiring for the night as well as before leaving the site.
  3. Pets are allowed.
  4. Remove all food (even unopened cans) and garbage when you leave.
  5. Renters are expected to clean up after themselves and prepare the lookout for the next group. Cleaning supplies are provided. Take trash with you.

Other Forest Service Cabins

Lassen National Forest

Mendocino National Forest

Modoc National Forest

Plumas National Forest

Shasta-Trinity National Forest