Campground Details - HAGER MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT, OR - ReserveAmerica

Overview

Hager Mountain Lookout sits at an elevation of 7,195 feet, offering guests spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is one of a diminishing number of lookouts still staffed for fire detection annually during the fire season and is open to guests in the winter months.

The site is available for rent from November 15 to May 15, offering a unique lodging experience for guests seeking a bit of solitude and relaxation. For the remainder of the year, it is staffed by Forest Service personnel.

This rugged, winter destination awaits the most enthusiastic outdoor adventurers as it is only accessible by foot, snowshoes or cross-country skis. Skiing or snowshoeing can take from a couple of hours to half a day, depending on weather conditions and one's physical endurance. Travel into remote locations in the winter requires experience and advance preparation.

Although the cabin has some basic amenities, guests must bring many of their own supplies to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Natural Features:

A series of dome-building volcanic eruptions occurring about 8 million years ago gave birth to Hager Mountain. The lookout is perched on the bald cap rocks that make up this mountain and offers 360 degree views as far as Mount Hood and Mount Shasta on a clear day.

Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, volcanic landscapes and wide-open sage basins, the area is known for scenic vistas and wild places where guests can still find solitude.

Recreation:

Hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, snowshoeing and skiing are popular activities. Hager Mountain is used during fire season to keep watch over the surrounding flat lands for any sign of smoke. During the winter, it becomes a winter wonderland and has one of the best snowshoeing climbs available in southern Oregon. The strenuous 4-mile hike up the west side of the peak leads to a panoramic view of the landscape. The lookout is a great spot for winter camping.

At night the lookout is an ideal setting for stargazing, as constellations and planets put on a dazzling display.

Facilities:

The fire lookout is a 14' x 14' room that can accommodate up to four people. It is furnished with a bed with a mattress and three sleeping cots. It is also equipped with a table and chairs, propane stove, heater and refrigerator. Some cooking gear is available. A picnic table is provided outside. A pit toilet is also located near the lookout.

There is no water on-site, so guests must bring sufficient supplies for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own food, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a light source, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) With Mattress Birding Cooking Pots Cooking Utensils Cot(s) Hiking Hitching Racks Picnic Area Pit Toilets	Propane Lights Propane Stove Propane refrigerator Skiing Snowshoeing Stargazing Table and Chairs Tent sites Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
Paved Parking Spurs

Know Before You Go

Water is not available at this facility
Entry to the lookout is by combination lock and the combination will be included in your confirmation letter; please call theSilver Lake Ranger District office at (541) 576-2107 prior to your arrival to confirm your combination; office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed weekends and holidays
Please contact the Ranger District at (541) 576-2107 prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit.
While traveling to Hager Mountain Lookout, weather conditions can change quickly and dramatically; be prepared for winter conditions and the possibility of having to camp out on the trail to the lookout
When making plans to visit Hager Mountain, be sure to take the following precautions: notify someone of your plans, including departure and return times; carry extra waterproof clothing; bring a compass and topographic map; bring extra food; be sure to notify your contact person upon your return home
Pets are welcome at this facility
All garbage and food must be packed out
The lookout tower is a non-smoking facility
Learn more about the Fremont-Winema National Forest.

Due to the spread of invasive insects, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
43.02333, -121.04389
43°1'24"N, 121°2'38"W

From Silver Lake, drive to County Road 4-12. Travel south on County Road 4-12, which turns into Forest Road 28. Continue south to milepost 9. The car pull-off is on the left. Walk, ski or snowshoe 4 miles to the National Recreation Trail to get to Hager Lookout.

In the winter, please check with the Silver Lake Ranger District for Sno-Park conditions at Pole Butte to determine the best method of access prior to departure. The rental season begins and ends during periods when snow levels fluctuate, making walking or driving access questionable.

During the summer, a four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to drive to the top of Hager Mountain. The Forest Service does not allow the public to drive up to the lookout unless given prior permission.