Welcome - already a member? Sign In Not a member yet?Sign UpHelp...

Find Campsites
Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. dontmovefirewood.org

FLAG POINT LOOKOUT, OR

Status: Open through Fri May 31 2013   Season Dates
1 site(s) found
ALL (1)
CABIN NONELECTRIC (1)

Overview

Flag Point Lookout offers spectacular views of Oregon's Mt. Hood to the west, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Ranier to the north, and Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south. It also provides access to a variety of winter sports, including snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

The lookout can only be accessed by skiing or snowshoeing about 11 miles from a parking area at the Billy Bob Sno-Park. A permit is required to park and the trek takes approximately eight hours. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The tower sits on Flag Point Butte, a 5,650-foot hillside covered with pine and fir tree forests. It was built in 1924, but renovation and reconstruction took place in 1932, 1955 and in 1973.

Of the nine peaks in Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range, Mt. Hood stands the tallest, at 11,239 feet. It is thickly forested and capped with glaciers and snow. The lookout is one of three Forest Service watchtowers in the area and it is still used to spot fires in the Barlow Ranger District during summertime each year.

Recreation:

The surrounding area is popular among winter sports enthusiasts, as it offers access to miles of great cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The area is also popular for horseback riding and hiking in warmer weather.

A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area and can be seen in addition to the stunning views provided by the tower. The location is a shared winter recreation area and visitors should expect snowmobiles and other winter sports enthusiasts.

Facilities:

The cabin is atop a 60-foot tower and is surrounded by a wooden catwalk. The 14-by-14 room is furnished with a small bed, a wood stove for heating and a table and chairs. It has a propane cook stove and solar-powered lights. There is no water on-site.

An outhouse with vault toilets is located on the ground, as well as a shed stocked with firewood. A rope and pulley system is available to transport gear, as well as firewood, up and down the tower with ease.

Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own sleeping bags/bedding, a flashlight or lantern for emergencies, first aid kit, washcloths and towels, dish soap and garbage bags. This is a "Pack it in, Pack it out" facility; guests will need to carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Accessible Picnic Areas
  • Bed(s)
  • Birding
  • Broom & Dust Pan
  • Cooking Pots
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Firewood
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding Trails
  • Hunting
  • Lights
  • Mattress(es)
  • Parking Area
  • Propane Oven
  • Propane Stove
  • Ranger Station
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Table & Chairs
  • Tables
  • Trailheads
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Wood Stove
Know Before You Go
  • Access to the lookout is not recommended for novice skiers; winter access is moderate to difficult, depending on snow conditions
  • Drinking water is not available at the tower
  • Be prepared for extreme winter weather conditions; guests should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills
  • The lookout remains locked; four days before your scheduled arrival, contact the Barlow Ranger District during office hours to obtain a key code
  • Please contact the Barlow Ranger District prior to departing for the lookout, to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit
  • The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets; the steps and catwalk can become quite slippery and the tower may sway in strong winds
  • Learn more about the Mt. Hood National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
45.32306, -121.47222
45°19'23"N, 121°28'20"W

From Dufur, Oregon, travel west on Valley Road for about 18 miles to the junction of Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430, at Billy Bob Sno-Park (the road may be plowed to the Sno-Park). Turn left and follow the road to Forest Service Road 2730 and continue to the spur road 200. Follow the spur road to its end. The route is approximately 11 miles and is marked with orange and blue diamond-shaped blazers. This route is not plowed, signed or patrolled.

Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430 are closed from the junction of Forest Service Roads 44/4430 to Highway 35, from Dec. 15 through March 15, prohibiting motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide without a permit. A Northwest Forest Pass is required park at the Sno-Park. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Barlow Ranger District.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

FLAG POINT LOOKOUT
RD 2730 TO SPUR RD 200
DUFUR OR 97021

Phone Number:

Information: (541)467-2291