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Recreation Fee Coordinator
Forest Service
333 SW 1st
Portland, OR 97204


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Indian Ridge Lookout - Oregon

Willamette National Forest

Indian Ridge, west of South Fork McKenzie River, was named for the old Indian hunting trail that runs along the summit. Given the lush vegetation and the many creeks and ponds that give home to a variety of wildlife, it is easy to imagine back to the days of life lived off the bounty of the land.

Larger photos of Indian Ridge Lookout and Vicinity

Price & Capacity

$40 per night per group, with a maximum of four occupants. Fees are used directly for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.

There is additional room for tent camping, although there is no designated area.

Reservations

www.RECREATION.gov

1-877-444-6777

McKenzie River Ranger District
57600 McKenzie Highway
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
541-822-3381

Other Willamette National Forest Recreation Rentals

Availability

Indian Ridge Lookout is available for rent July 1 through the end of September, depending on snow conditions.

-- The maximum length of stay is three consecutive nights. --

History

Indian Ridge has been the site of a Forest Service lookout since 1918, and was home to a classic 29' "cathedral style" structure, which remained in service until 1958. It was not maintained and no examples of this style still remain. The current Indian Ridge Lookout, an R-6 flattop on a wooden 20' tower, was built in 1958 and used for fire fighting until 1973. The lookout is still staffed occasionally during emergencies.

Description

The rustic, one-room cabin surrounded by a wooden catwalk offers gorgeous views. It is furnished with two twin beds, a table and chairs, and shelves for storage. This is a primitive camping experience. There is no heat source, so visitors may wish to bring some sort of propane heater. There are no lights or cooking facilities. There is also no water available on site; visitors must bring plenty for drinking, cooking and washing. An outhouse is located 50 feet from the lookout.

Area Attractions & Activities

Indian Ridge Lookout is located in the South Fork of the McKenzie River drainage. Cougar Reservoir, the West Cascades National Scenic Byway, Hidden Lake, and the Three Sisters Wilderness are all in the vicinity. The French Pete Trail Area (named after an early-day sheepherder who ranged his sheep along the creek that also carries his name) in the Three Sisters Wilderness offers miles and miles of hiking. At an elevation of 5,405 feet, above the tree line and far away from city lights, enjoy spectacular nights skies and star gazing. The Dee Wright Observatory is also within easy driving distance.

Amenities

Outhouse

There is additional room for tent camping, although there is no designated area.

Pets

No pets.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

Follow either State Highway 126 or 58 to Forest Service Road (FSR) 19 and proceed to FSR 1980. Turn east on FSR 1980 and proceed to FSR 1980-247. The route is easily accessible by car.

Warning

Due to the height of the tower and the sheer cliffs near the lookout, this location is not recommended for small children.

USDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Region
Last Modified: Tuesday, 27 November 2007 at 17:11:02 EST