Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest

US Forest Service

Map of Forests

Bureau of Land Management

Oregon and Washington

National Park Service

North Cascades

Green Ridge Lookout - Oregon

Deschutes National Forest

History

The lookout was built in 1961, about 500 feet above the first Green Ridge Lookout that dated back to 1933. This site was selected because of its spectacular view of the Metolius River Valley and Mt. Jefferson. From 1933 to 1939 this was a "primary" lookout, and a secondary one since then. It has been staffed by volunteers since 1991 during the summer months and still plays an important roll in detection of fires in the area. It is an unusual lookout in that it is built on the side of a mountain instead of on the top of one.

Description

The cabin sits on a two-story tower hugging the side of Green Ridge. From the level parking area, there is a short boardwalk to the lower 20’ x 20’ wooden deck (with railings!). Follow a short, one story flight of steps to the catwalk of the upper deck surrounding the cabin. The one room cabin is furnished with a bed (3/4 size), a table and two chairs. It also features a propane refrigerator, an over-head light, a propane wall heater, and a three burner propane stove and oven, as well as miscellaneous basic cooking and eating utensils.

A vault toilet is located nearby, and there is a picnic table on the deck below the lookout. There is no water on site. Visitors must bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Area Attractions & Activities

The lookout sits above and a little north of the historic Camp Sherman community and above the beautiful Metolius River. There are several pleasant day hikes along the Metolius River and to the top of Black Butte, another fire lookout located to the south. The Metolius is also a fly fishing stream. Lake Billy Chinook, approximately ten miles away, offers boating and fishing opportunities.

Amenities

• Propane Heat
• Light
• Refrigerator
• Stove and Oven
• Vault Toilet
• Picnic Table

There is an area for additional tent camping on site.

Pets

Pets are allowed outside only.

Smoking

No smoking.

Directions

From Sisters, travel 5.5 miles west on US Hwy 20 to Forest Service Road (FSR) 11 at Indian Ford Campground. Turn right on FSR 11 and travel approximately 10 miles to the end of pavement at the junction of FSR 1150. Take the left fork, FSR 1150, to the junction with FSR 1154. Turn left on FSR 1154 and continue to FSR 1140. Turn left on FSR 1140 and continue to spur road 600. Take a very sharp right on spur road 600, go approximately a half-mile to the locked gate on the right, spur road 650 (no signs). The cabin is at the end of the spur road.

Summer access to this tower is possible with any reasonable family vehicle but winter access may require high clearance 4x4 vehicles, snowmobiles or cross-county skis, during a winter of average snowfall. Check with the Ranger Station before traveling this route in winter.