Administrative agency:
Willamette NF
Staffing status:
last used in the 1970s, it is mostly abandoned, the summit (not the lookout) has
recently been used for
emergency detection
Elevation: 5700ft
Structure:
1932 Gable Roofed ground L-4 Cab with all metal shutter props
Access:
the best access is from the north, it can be accomplished
several ways, with the shortest amount of gravel road driving
around 5 miles, the trailhead is then reached, the trails are
well signed and there is plenty of parking at the trailhead,
it is then approximately a 3.5 mile hike to the lookout
Road conditions:
the gravel road is a little bumpy but is suitable for most
vehicles, the paved portion before the gravel section is at
least 10 miles in length, it does reduce to one lane with many
rocks fallen on the shoulder, the trail is in good condition
and easy to find, it receives frequent maintenance, after
hiking a couple miles on the initial trail, the trail to the
mountain is signed, the hike is easy, passing though different
types of terrain along with at least one meadow, the lookout is located
in the Three Sisters Wilderness, all wilderness restrictions
apply, a self issue wilderness permit is available free of
charge at the trailhead and is required, a Northwest Forest
Pass is also required and can be purchased at the nearby
McKenzie Ranger Station
Interior:
the interior contains a chair as well as a ladder and the
shutter props but is mostly empty, it is in great need of help
with birds nesting in the attic, the floor sagging and the
paint pealing, however, visitors have been very respectful
leaving every windowpane unbroken
Other structures on summit:
none, markers that once served as the helipad are still
present
Electric power source:
none
Other:
this is an excellent lookout site with great views of the
Three Sisters, as well as the rolling hills of the surrounding
forest, much of which is untouched, Indian Ridge Lookout is
visible with binoculars, the area itself does receive some
fire activity and if the lookout were to ever be staffed could
possibly be useful |
| the
lookout is in need of help, the floor is sagging, the paint
peeling, the roof likely leaking, as well as other problems,
the FS hasn't done much maintenance on it for quite some time,
although in 2001 plywood was attached to the windows without
shutters, and possibly at that same time the remaining
shutters with the exception of the one over the door were
screwed down,
the lookout may be removed in the future due to some people not
liking structures in the wilderness no matter how historic or
harmless they may be, the issue is currently under
consideration by the Forest Service |
| Visited: Dominic
Luebbers July 2002 |
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