Indian Ridge Lookout

Star3.15
14 reviews
57600 McKenzie Highway, MCKENZIE BRIDGE, OR, 97413, USA
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

5,405 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open June 16 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens McKenzie River Ranger Station site

Official Website
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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
Indian Ridge Lookout
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the cabin during peak season is $75. Reservation service fees apply, such as an $8 fee for online bookings or $9 when booked via...
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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
541-822-3381
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What Campers Say

3.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocation

"User reviews highlight the lookout's spectacular views, cleanliness, and popularity. However, some note privacy concerns due to visitors driving to the site."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

57600 McKenzie Highway, MCKENZIE BRIDGE, OR, 97413, USA

Indian Ridge Lookout

57600 McKenzie Highway, MCKENZIE BRIDGE, OR, 97413, USA

Driving directionsFrom 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.
The access road to the lookout is rocky, but well-maintained forest roads make it passable by most vehicles according to user reviews. The road is an unpaved forest service road, and seasonal weather (snow, rain) may further impact accessibility.
Nearby places
Blue River (approximately 4 miles), Cougar Reservoir (approximately 7 miles) and McKenzie Bridge (nearest location).
Nearby supplies
Guests should bring all supplies, including water, propane cook stoves, food, bedding, and first aid kits. The nearest supply center is unspecified, but McKenzie Bridge or Blue River may offer limited groceries and supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Ridge Lookout

Mountain weather here tells its own dramatic story throughout the seasons. Crisp nights can plunge to a teeth-chattering 22°F, while surprise snowfalls dust the landscape even in late fall and early spring. But these alpine conditions create magic too—crystal-clear skies transform the lookout into a celestial observatory, and sunrise paints the peaks in colors that defy description. Wise visitors pack layers and check road conditions, as winter's grip can linger on these high-elevation access routes.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Warm weather, excellent views and hiking; however summer is more crowded per reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Crisp skies and great stargazing; risk of early snow and cold nights noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Seasonal opening begins June 16; spring access is generally closed or snowy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Site is closed outside reservation season (open June 16–Oct 11); winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 16, 2025 - October 11, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 16 - October 11 (reservable dates).
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were mentioned, but users reported a broken gate allowing unplanned visitors.

About Indian Ridge Lookout

Perched 30 feet above the forest floor, Indian Ridge Lookout offers adventurers a rare opportunity to sleep where forest rangers once stood sentinel against wildfire. This 1958 fire lookout tower in the heart of Willamette National Forest has been transformed into an extraordinary primitive camping experience, where guests wake up floating above the treeline with panoramic views of the majestic Three Sisters peaks stretching across the Cascade Range.
Indian Ridge Lookout offers a single type of camping accommodation in the form of a primitive cabin.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 8:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 4:30 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 3 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Indian Ridge Lookout provides a unique recreational experience focusing on stargazing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
HikingThe campground offers nearby hiking opportunities, including an unmaintained trail on the ridge and access to the French Pete Trail Area in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Hidden Lake also provides trails for exploration.
SwimmingHidden Lake, a nearby attraction, offers opportunities for alpine swimming and sunbathing.
Wildlife viewingThe area provides habitat for Roosevelt elk, black bear, bald eagles, black tail deer, and bobcats, among other wildlife.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRocky access roads and steep steps to the lookout pose physical challenges. Wildlife encounters and the risk of severe weather conditions such as heavy snowfalls or storms are potential hazards.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were mentioned, but users reported a broken gate allowing unplanned visitors.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Indian Ridge Lookout

Reviews

3.2
14 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Indian Ridge Lookout has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the lookout's spectacular views, cleanliness, and popularity. However, some note privacy concerns due to visitors driving to the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the breathtaking views of the Three Sisters and surrounding areas, the cleanliness of the cabin and outhouse, and the unique stargazing experience. 'The location is nothing short of...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the broken gate allowing visitors to drive up uninvited, limited amenities, and discomfort from occasional bugs. One reviewer mentions, 'The broken gate that other reviewers...
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Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests recommend bringing warm sleeping bags, propane heaters, cleaning supplies, and extra toilet paper. They also suggest closing the gate to deter visitors and bringing bug deterrents like tape or...
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Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays are noted for their cold temperatures but offer clear skies for stargazing and beautiful sunrises. Summer stays feature warmer conditions and excellent views but are more crowded.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We awakened to a glorious sunrise, and beautiful clear views.' 2. 'The lookout was very cold. The skies cleared up in the night, and stars were beautiful and visible.' 3. 'This lookout easily...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users frequently reference Site C1 (Indian Ridge Lookout). Positive comments include spectacular views and cleanliness, while complaints focus on privacy issues due to visitors driving up.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility challenges include steep, narrow stairs to the cabin and limited mobility accommodations.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed, as explicitly stated in the official rules.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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