Bolan Mountain Lookout

Overview

In 2024, the Siskiyou Mountain Club partnered with the US Forest Service to rebuild the Bolan Mountain Lookout after it burned down in the Slater fire in 2020. For more information on this project, check out this short film created by Vincent DiFrancesco with the Siskiyou Mountain Club. https://youtu.be/wJYSNzqWCVoBolan Mountain Lookout is surrounded by glass windows on all sides, providing visitors with an unparalleled view of the sheer drop-offs sharp cliffs, and breath-taking views of the rugged Siskiyou Mountains. The historic lookout is available for rent during the snow-free season with a maximum length of stay being 3 consecutive nights, and guests must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation

Hikers may enjoy spending a day hiking the Bolan Lake Trail down to Bolan Lake. Hemmed in by conifer forest, the lake is stocked with trout, and is an ideal setting to enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating such as kayaking or picnicking at its banks.

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 a maximum of four people, and offers a primitive camping experience. The 30 to 40 steps up to the lookout are steep and uneven, so visitors should use caution when climbing to the main cabin. The room is equipped with a table, two chairs, a single bed with pad that folds out into two twins, cleaning supplies and a fire extinguisher. A 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, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, toilet paper and garbage bags.Natural Features

From the lookout, guests are treated to expansive views of the Red Buttes and Siskiyou Wilderness areas, Preston Peak and Bolan Lake. To the north are far views of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and the Illinois River Valley. On a clear day, even Mount Shasta is visible to the southeast.

Bolan Lake is a 12 acre, high mountain lake with a shoreline of Douglas fir, pine and hemlock. A dip in the cool waters provides much needed relief from a hot summer day. Clear nights provide guests with a dazzling display of stars and planets.

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