Established Camping
Quail Prairie Lookout
Quail Prairie Lookout is located in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. The area experiences temperature highs around 70°F and lows near 40°F. Nearby attractions include the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor and Harris Beach State Park, offering opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
Description
Overview
THIS FACILITY IS CLOSED TO RESERVATIONS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Quail Prairie Lookout offers guests a unique lodging experience in the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest in western Oregon. On a clear day, visitors are treated to spectacular views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness from the top of the 41-foot tower. The tower was completed in 1963 and served as one of the last lookouts built by the southwestern Oregon Forest Service until the mid 1990's, when it was converted for recreational purposes. Today campers can enjoy a unique lodging experience in the historic structure, which offers basic amenities and spectacular views of the surrounding area. Although the facility provides basic amenities, guests must bring a few of their own supplies to ensure a safe and comfortable stay.
Recreation
The nearby Upper Chetco Trail is the main east/west route through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. It offers access to the Chetco River and two main tributaries. Heavy vegetation provides shade but eliminates most views, and at least three significant long and steep sections provide a challenging backpacking experience. Anglers will enjoy the remote location and scenic backdrop of the nearby Chetco River, providing angling opportunities for trout, steelhead, and salmon in season. The Chetco starts in steep, deeply dissected, sparsely vegetated, mountainous terrain within the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. At night the lookout is an ideal setting for stargazing, as constellations and planets put on a dazzling display.
Natural Features
The lookout affords panoramic views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Chetco River drainage. The Kalmiopsis Wilderness is an area of great geological and botanical interest. Many of the rocks were formerly parts of the oceanic crust, while diverse plant life provides evidence of adaptation to the area's harsh soils. The Kalmiopsis leachian, a shrub discovered in the Gold Basin area in 1930, is a relic of the pre-ice age. The Kalmiopsis Wilderness is named after this unique endemic plant. Diverse landscapes provide habitat for a wide-range of wildlife, from spotted owls and black-tail deer to salamanders and salmon. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, undisturbed wetlands, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.
Location
Quail Prairie Lookout is located in Oregon
Directions
From Brookings and U.S. Highway 101, drive east on North Bank Chetco River Road (County Road 784). This becomes Forest Service Road 1376 in approximately 8 miles. Turn left after crossing the South Fork Bridge (16 miles from Brookings). Turn right on Forest Service Road 1917, approximately 1 mile after the bridge. Follow Quail Prairie signs staying on Forest Service Road 1917. The lookout is 3 miles beyond Packer's Cabin. The total distance is 26 miles. The roads are generally one-lane and gravel, with pullouts. Many people use these roads, including logging trucks, forestry workers, and recreational vehicles. Drive slowly, stay to the right side of the road at all times, and use pullouts.
Address
14433 Hwy. 101 S
Brookings, OR 97415
Coordinates
42.2366667 N
124.045 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Four Seasons RV Resort
2 hrs 17 min away
Quosatana Campground
2 hrs 44 min away
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 24 min from Grants Pass
- 3 hrs 50 min from Medford
- 5 hrs 34 min from Eugene
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
