INDIAN RIDGE LOOKOUT, OR Campground Reservation, Info, Images, Map, Directions

INDIAN RIDGE LOOKOUT, Oregon Campground Images, Info & Reservations

Listen

Directions

From Blue River, OR, travel 4 miles east on Highway 126 to Aufderheide Drive/Forest Service Road (FSR) 19. Continue south on Aufderheide Drive, taking a right at the Y and climbing to the top of Cougar Reservoir. Continue south on Aufderheide Drive past Cougar Reservoir 7 miles to FSR 1980. Turn west on FSR 1980 and climb up Indian Ridge to

Phone

541-822-3381

Activities

CAMPING, WILDLIFE VIEWING, BERRY PICKING, STAR GAZING, BIRDING

Keywords

INRL,WILLAMETTE NF -FS

Related Link(s)

Rec Area Info & Images

Oregon State Tourism

Oregon State Road Conditions

Overview

The Indian Ridge Lookout sits at an elevation of 5,405 feet in the Willamette National Forest. Built in 1958, the lookout was used for firefighting by Forest Service personnel until 1973. The lookout is still staffed occasionally during emergencies. The lookout is accessible by car, although the access road is rocky. Guests must be prepared to climb steep, narrow steps up the 30-foot tower to access the lookout’s cabin. The accommodations are primitive, so guests should be prepared to pack in most of their own supplies and gear.

Recreation

From the lookout’s perch above the tree line and far away from city lights, guests can enjoy spectacular night skies and star gazing. An unmaintained trail on the ridge meanders through alpine trees and beargrass, allowing hikers to explore the mountaintop. The French Pete Trail Area in the Three Sisters Wilderness offers several miles of hiking. Cougar Reservoir and Hidden Lake are also in the vicinity, offering additional recreation options.

Facilities

The 16×16-ft. cabin sleeps 4 and is equipped with 2 twin beds with foam mattresses, a table with chairs, broom and dust pan, mop and storage shelves. An outhouse with vault toilet is located 50 feet from the lookout and a picnic table and fire ring are outside. No heat, electricity or water are available. Guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. Propane cook stoves and lanterns are recommended, since they create fewer fumes than liquid gas appliances. Items such as a cook stove, bedding, flashlights, dishes and cookware, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, towels and an ice chest are not available. Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

Views from the lookout include the Three Sisters, which are close and prominent to the northeast, along with views of the Cascade Crest both north and south. The Sand Mountain and Carpenter Mountain Lookouts are visible with binoculars. Hidden Lake is visible below the northern edge of mountaintop. The open ridge is covered with beargrass and huckleberries. Several rocky outcroppings are covered by wildflowers and mossy vegetation, depending on the season. Willamette National Forest offers prime habitat for such species as Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagles, black tail deer and bobcats, among other wildlife.

Nearby Attractions

A short trail to Hidden Lake offers access to alpine swimming and sunbathing.

Reservation

More from CampingHiking.net:

Grandview Shelter 1, West Virginia Campground Images, Info & Reservations

Listen Directions To reach Grandview from Beckley follow I-64 East five miles to Exit 129 B. From Lewisburg follow I-64 West forty miles to Exit 129. From either exit, turn right and follow Route 9 North six miles to Grandview. Phone 304-465-0508 Activities HIKING, PICNICKING, DAY USE AREA Keywords Grandview

REUNION FLAT, Wyoming Campground Images, Info & Reservations

Listen Directions From Driggs, Idaho, travel 9 miles east. Turn east at the Key Bank on Little Avenue and follow the road to the forest boundary. Turn right on Forest Road 009 and go 3 miles to the campground. Phone 208-270-0150 OR 541-351-1182 Activities BIKING, CAMPING, FISHING, HIKING, WILDLIFE VIEWING

PURGATOIRE CAMPGROUND, Colorado Campground Images, Info & Reservations

Listen Directions From La Veta, Colorado, take State Route 12 south for 25.3 miles to Purgatoire campground sign. Turn right onto gravel Route 34. Go 0.2 miles to "T" intersection. Turn right and drive 4 miles on rough gravel road to campground. Phone FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (877) 444-6777, FOR OTHER

FARNSWORTH CABIN, Pennsylvania Campground Images, Info & Reservations

Listen Directions If traveling on Route 6, in the town of Claredon, turn at the street light onto Railroad Road, continue toward Chapman Dam. Turn left on Farnsworth Rd., travel approximately 7 miles and the cabin will be on your right, look for the Trout Hatchery sign. For details, click

SPENCE CABIN, Tennessee Campground Images, Info & Reservations

Listen Directions Spence Cabin is located near Elkmont Campground. Drive south from Gatlinburg, TN on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) for 1.7 miles and turn right onto Little River Road toward Cades Cove. Proceed 5 miles to Elkmont Campground road and turn left. Go 1.4 miles and turn left just