Hager Mountain Lookout

Star4.36
25 reviews
65600 HWY 31
Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Quick Facts

7,195 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Hager Mountain Lookout
$40.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for the nonelectric cabin is fixed at $40 during the rental season. This rate does not include reservation fees, taxes, or other...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-576-2107
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 25 reviews

11 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

"User reviews for Hager Mountain Lookout reflect a mix of awe for its breathtaking views and solitude, alongside concerns about maintenance and cleanliness. The lookout is described as a challenging but rewarding destination, particularly in winter."

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Campground Map

65600 HWY 31

Hager Mountain Lookout

65600 HWY 31

Driving directionsFrom Silver Lake, drive to County Road 4-12. Travel south on County Road 4-12, which turns into Forest Road 28. Continue south to milepost 9. The car pull-off is on the left. Walk, ski or snowshoe 4 miles to the National Recreation Trail to get to Hager Lookout. In the winter, please check with the Silver Lake Ranger District for snow conditions to determine the best method of access prior to departure.
Road access varies seasonally, and the trailhead can be reached via paved roads up to Silver Lake. Winter conditions often necessitate walking, skiing, or snowshoeing 4 miles uphill to the lookout. Forest Road 28 may not be plowed during snowstorms.
Nearby places
Silver Lake (9 miles, approximately 30 minutes in good weather conditions).
Nearby supplies
Silver Lake offers basic supplies and is approximately 9 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Hager Mountain Lookout

Winter transforms Hager Mountain into a dramatic landscape where nature showcases its raw power. Fierce winds sculpt snowdrifts across the peak while storms roll in with theatrical intensity, blanketing trails in ice and snow. The elevation creates its own microclimate, delivering bone-chilling temperatures and substantial snowfall that demand respect and careful preparation from every visitor brave enough to make the journey.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Closed outside Nov 15–May 15; summer access not available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Closed for most of fall; opens Nov 15.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open through May 15; late-March trips noted as rewarding with available supplies.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
5.0 / 5
Top 1% in OR

Peak season Nov15–May15; reviewers call it a 'winter wonderland' ideal for skiing/snowshoeing.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: November 15 to May 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from November 15 to May 15. Closed for the remainder of the year when staffed by Forest Service personnel.
  • Current Alerts: Winter weather conditions such as snowstorms and icy roads frequently affect accessibility.

About Hager Mountain Lookout

Perched high above the world at 7,195 feet, Hager Mountain Lookout beckons adventurous souls seeking an extraordinary winter escape. This remote mountain sanctuary, accessible only by foot, skis, or snowshoes during its November through May rental season, promises an intimate encounter with pristine wilderness and breathtaking solitude that few places can match.
Hager Mountain Lookout provides a unique lodging experience through its historic fire lookout cabin, accessible only during winter months.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay policy allows up to 7 nights per reservation.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Hager Mountain Lookout offers popular activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, snowshoeing, and skiing. In winter, the area transforms into a 'winter wonderland,' making it a favorite for adventurers seeking solitude and panoramic views from the summit. Stargazing is a highlight, with clear skies providing dazzling views of constellations and planets.
HikingHiking at Hager Mountain includes a strenuous 4-mile climb up the west side of the peak. The trail is well-marked with blue diamonds and orange poles, but snow conditions can obscure markers. Some reviews mentioned challenges with trail visibility during storms or heavy snow.
Wildlife viewingThe area is known for wildlife viewing, allowing guests to observe diverse species amidst volcanic landscapes and sage basins.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh winds, icy trails, deep snow, and the potential for disorientation during storms in unmarked areas. Mice activity inside the lookout noted in reviews.
Active AlertsWinter weather conditions such as snowstorms and icy roads frequently affect accessibility.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Hager Mountain Lookout

Reviews

4.4
25 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Hager Mountain Lookout is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Hager Mountain Lookout reflect a mix of awe for its breathtaking views and solitude, alongside concerns about maintenance and cleanliness. The lookout is described as a challenging but rewarding destination, particularly in winter.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the panoramic views from the summit, the cozy cabin with functional propane and wood stoves, and the unique stargazing opportunities. Many reviewers appreciated the well-stocked...
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include maintenance issues like mouse droppings, unclean surfaces, snow in the woodshed and outhouse, and difficulty with trail markers. Some visitors also reported struggles with...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors frequently recommend bringing disinfectant wipes, extra toilet paper, sturdy snowshoes, a GPS for trail navigation, and plenty of water. One reviewer advised, 'Take a sheet to cover the...
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Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is the most popular season, with reviews describing the area as a 'winter wonderland' ideal for snowshoeing and skiing. However, harsh conditions such as high winds, deep snow, and low...
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Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is a trip that will set your soul on fire and I can't overstate how gorgeous the views are.' - Kimberly H 2. 'Prepare for HIGH WINDS and low visibility on stormy days in the final 1.5...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specifically mention campsite 001, highlighting its stunning vistas and well-stocked cabin supplies, but also noting drawbacks like mouse droppings and unclean conditions.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited due to the strenuous hike and snow conditions. Some reviewers emphasized the importance of physical preparation and experience in winter hiking.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-related reviews are not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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