Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Flag Point Lookout - Oregon

Mt. Hood National Forest

History

Flag Point Lookout sits at the 5,650 foot elevation on Flag Point Butte. The original lookout was built ca. 1924. It was a 6 foot x 6 foot observation cabin on a 40 foot timber pole tower and the observer used a tent camp. In 1932 the Forest Service built a standard L-4 style lookout on a 30 foot pole frame tower to replace the earlier structure. Some reconstruction occurred in 1955. The present lookout is a 15 x 15 foot R-6 Flat Top Style built in 1973. The lookout still serves as a summer home for a Forest Service fire lookout person, who plays a key role in the detection of fires on the Barlow Ranger District and adjoining lands.

Description

The cabin is atop a 60 foot tower and is surrounded by a wooden catwalk. The 14 x 14 foot room is furnished with a small, single bed, a wood stove for heating, and a table and chair, and is equipped with a propane cook stove and a solar lighting system. There is no water on site; visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located near by, 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.

Area Attractions & Activities

Enjoy cross-country skiing, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. After a day of exploring the trails through this remote area, kick back and enjoy the stunning view.

Amenities

• Outhouse
• Wood Stove
• Propane Stove
• Solar Lighting

There is an additional space for tent camping.

Pets

No pets allowed.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

Drive west out of Dufur on Dufur Valley Road about 18 miles to the junction of Forest Service Roads 44 and 4430, the Billy Bob Sno-Park. The road may be plowed to the Sno-Park. Four-wheel drive vehicles and/or chains are highly recommended. From this point, visitors ski a full eleven miles to the lookout, a trip that takes a minimum of eight hours.

Winter access is moderate to difficult, and not for novice skiers.

Warning

Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Visitors should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills. The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets. The steps and catwalk can become quite slippery due to rain, snow and ice, and the tower may sway in strong winds.