Acorn Woman Peak Lookout

Show on map541-899-3800
6941 Upper Applegate Road
Jacksonville, OR 97530

Overview

Acorn Woman Peak Lookout was constructed in 1942. It is an L-4 style cabin, and is on the National Historic Site Registry. The lookout is surrounded by glass windows on all sides, providing visitors with an unparalleled view of the steep drop-offs and breath-taking views of the rugged Siskiyou Mountains. This historic lookout is available for rent during the snow-free season with a maximum length of stay being 5 consecutive nights. Guests must bring most of their own amenities.

Recreation

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 room is equipped with a small wooden table, and the center of the building has a working Osborne Firefinder on its work table. Broom, mop, and fire extinguisher are on site, as well as a small storage box with toilet paper, forest and ranger district maps and information about the lookout and its surroundings. 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, and garbage bags.

Natural Features

From the lookout, guests are treated to expansive views of the Red Buttes Wilderness area, Acorn Woman Lake and the Little Applegate Valley. To the north are far views of the Rogue Valley and Mt. McLaughlin and to the east is Wagner Butte and Dutchman Peak. On a clear day, visitors can see the rim of Crater Lake, Mt. Bailey and Mt. Thielsen. Clear nights provide guests with a dazzling display of stars and planets.

Nearby Attractions

The United States Congress designated the Red Buttes Wilderness in 1984 and it now includes a total of 19,940 acres. Management of the Red Buttes Wilderness, located on the California/Oregon border, is shared by the Klamath National Forest and the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest. The majority of the Wilderness lies within the boundaries of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Several lakes are accessible in the forest. Acorn Woman Peak looks south to Acorn Woman Lakes, a semi-primitive developed recreation area that accepts camping reservations from May through September. Applegate Lake is a large reservoir with boat ramps, campgrounds, viewpoints and a developed recreation area named Hart Tish. Both lakes are open for fishing year-round.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

  • Pets allowed: all 1 sites
  • Largest party: 4 people

Directions

Starting in Jacksonville, drive on Highway 238 west 8 miles to the town of Ruch. Turn left on Upper Applegate Road and proceed 10.2 miles to Forest Road 20, (Beaver Creek Road). Turn left and go 4.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 20 and Forest Road 2010 (Hanley Gulch Road). Turn right and go 5.1 miles to the junction of Forest Road 2010 and Forest Road 2010/350. Open the locked gate with the combination on your reservation slip, and re-lock the gate behind you. Go 1 mile to Acorn Woman Peak Lookout.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

23 reviews
5 stars
20
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
Madeline S
Loop:Acorn Woman Peak Lookout
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
There is a wasps nest in the ceiling and if you have a dog, the watch tower is surrounded by foxtails. That being said, beautiful views!
Bobbie P
Loop:Acorn Woman Peak Lookout
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
So peaceful. The lick is a pain but worth it. There are alit of bees but they never bothered us.
Linda K
Loop:Acorn Woman Peak Lookout
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
Great location. Very hot, especially since the windows could barely open. Fortunately we brought curtains. The combo lock at the gate requires either a smartphone or a mirror. Wish there was a picnic table outside. Saw lightning hit and start fires. Definitely called it in. Read the firefinder instructions. Hope to come back.
sara b
Loop:Acorn Woman Peak Lookout
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
While a bare bones lookout, Acorn Peak was great. Clean structure with epic views. There are chairs, but bring sleeping cots. The road up has a couple tight turns, but there is space for vehicles to reverse for a better position to make it up. Just be aware and know your vehicle to make them successfully.
Celia P
Loop:Acorn Woman Peak Lookout
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
This place is breathtakingly beautiful and the views are hard to beat, I would definitely stay here again! I had no issues with the lock on the gate and it wasn't sticky like I thought I might be. After reading reviews, driving the road had me concerned but the road isn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. The road past the gate does get a little rough but it's definitely doable without 4x4 in my opinion, just watch out for those bigger rocks. There are a few sharp turns that I was able to navigate just fine in my 4runner, nothing to worry about as long as you're a decent driver. The lookout itself is in good shape and bathroom is fine for being rustic. Highly recommend staying here, it's absolutely amazing!
Hannah S
Loop:Acorn Woman Peak Lookout
Site:
Reviewed 2 years ago
The view here is breathtaking!!! Like the description said I would definitely recommend a 4WD vehicle going up the access road. My sedan made it but it was very steep and rough. Everything was great though!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Busy

Busiest in August, when about 77% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 7 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

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