Little Grayback Fire Lookout

Backcountry adventures in the Heart of the Siskiyou Mountains

Little Grayback Fire Lookout located about 16 driving miles from Cave Junction and Highway 199. This is an L-5 type cab. The Little Grayback Lookout Station is reached by six miles of dirt road from Oregon Caves Highway (Oregon State Highway 46). This road leaves Highway 46 about half way between Cave Junction and Oregon Caves National Monument. The trip involves six miles of rough road that requires high clearance. When you get within a half mile of the lookout, the road narrows and climbs up a very steep, narrow and rocky two-track. Four wheel drive is needed to climb this section. The total driving distance from Cave Junction to the Little Grayback Fire Lookout is about 16 miles.

Directions

From Cave Junction on Highway 199, drive 9.8 miles on the Oregon Caves Highway to Oregon Caves and turn left on Little Grayback Road. Drive 0.6 miles and look for a narrow dirt road on the left. Follow this road for 5.8 miles to the gate and the beginning of the 4x4 section. If you don't have a 4x4 vehicle, park in the wide area before the gate and walk the remaining 0.4 miles to the top. Four wheeling from this point is recommended only for drivers with four-wheel driving experience.

Pictures of the road climbing to the Grayback Fire Lookout are below.

History

The Little Grayback Fire Lookout is an L-4 cab built in 1940. It was originally located on the south side of Illinois Valley at the Waldo Hill Lookout near the historic mining town of Waldo, Oregon. At Waldo Hill, this 14x14' cab, sat on a 20 foot wooden tower and was staffed into the 1970's. The cab was moved in 1981 to its current location using a helicopter to move it from Waldo Hill to Little Grayback Peak. It is staffed every summer by fire staff from the Oregon Department of Forestry.

The outhouse with the best view in the region

The Little Grayback Fire Lookout has an outhouse that, without question, has the most scenic view of any other outhouse on the Highway 199 corridor. The outhouse is seen in the trees on the right-middle and overlooks Deer Creek Valley (center), Lake Selmac (blue dot just to the left of center) and Eight Dollar Mountain, the dark prominence standing by itself on the left. The Kalmiopsis Wilderness could also be seen to the left of this picture.

The outhouse at Little Grayback Fire Lookout has the best view of any outhouse in the region. Located about 16 miles from Cave Junction and Highway 19, Oregon.
The little outhouse on the right commands an almost 180 degree view of the Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon. (looking north)

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...