Flag Point Lookout

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14 reviews

Flag Point Lookout

Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Vehicle access on FS...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Hood River Ranger Station site

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Quick Facts

5,500 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Vehicle access on FS...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Hood River Ranger Station site

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Flag Point Lookout

No fees available

Campsite Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for the parking area at Billybob Sno-Park (annual or day passes available in person at Hood River Ranger Station...

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(541) 352-6002

What Campers Say

0.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 14 reviews

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Best Time to Camp at Flag Point Lookout

Your adventure to Flag Point varies dramatically with the seasons, each offering its own rewards and challenges. During summer and the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall, an all-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicle can navigate the forest roads to bring you close to the tower, making for a relatively straightforward mountain getaway. When winter's snow blankets the landscape—often arriving in early fall and lingering well into spring—the lookout transforms into a backcountry destination accessible only by human power or snowmobile. Winter visitors can embark from either Billybob Sno-Park (choosing between 10 or 17-mile routes) or Little John Sno-Park, with FS Road 44 officially closed to certain motorized vehicles from December 1st through April 1st.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Vehicle access on FS Road 44 may be restricted in winter; FS Road 44 is closed to motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide from Dec. 1 through Apr. 1 on the segment from Highway 35 to the junction with FS Road 4430. Winter driving conditions can occur in early fall and persist late into spring; during those periods access requires skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile travel from sno-parks.

About Flag Point Lookout

Perched 40 feet above the forest floor in the heart of the Badger Creek Wilderness, Flag Point Lookout offers an unforgettable experience where you'll sleep among the treetops with Mount Hood's glaciated peak as your neighbor. This authentic fire lookout cabin comes equipped with essential comforts—a wood stove for warmth, propane cooking, and a cozy full-size bed—though you'll need to pack in your own water and embrace the rustic charm of wilderness living. Depending on the season, your journey here ranges from a scenic drive on forest roads to an exhilarating winter expedition on skis or snowshoes.

Primary lodging is a historic forest service lookout cabin located on a 40-foot tower; the site is remote and accessed by vehicle in summer (4WD/AWD recommended) and by skiing/snowmobile/snowshoe in winter from designated sno-parks.

Historical SignificanceFlag Point Lookout stands as one of only three remaining Forest Service watchtowers on Mount Hood, carrying forward a proud tradition of wildfire detection that continues to this day. Each summer, the tower returns to its original purpose as fire spotters scan the horizon for the first wisps of smoke, connecting modern visitors to nearly a century of forest stewardship and the dedicated men and women who have kept watch over these mountains.

Weather and SeasonsYour adventure to Flag Point varies dramatically with the seasons, each offering its own rewards and challenges. During summer and the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall, an all-wheel or four-wheel-drive vehicle can navigate the forest roads to bring you close to the tower, making for a relatively straightforward mountain getaway. When winter's snow blankets the landscape—often arriving in early fall and lingering well into spring—the lookout transforms into a backcountry destination accessible only by human power or snowmobile. Winter visitors can embark from either Billybob Sno-Park (choosing between 10 or 17-mile routes) or Little John Sno-Park, with FS Road 44 officially closed to certain motorized vehicles from December 1st through April 1st.

ElevationAt approximately 5,500 feet above sea level, Flag Point Lookout occupies a commanding position in the Badger Creek Wilderness, placing you squarely in the subalpine zone where thick forests meet alpine conditions on Mount Hood's southeastern flank.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your elevated vantage point at 5,500 feet, you'll witness a landscape where ancient forests stretch endlessly toward the horizon, interrupted only by the dramatic silhouettes of Cascade volcanoes piercing the sky. Mount Hood dominates the view with its glacier-draped summit and year-round snowfields, while dense conifer forests create a green carpet below that transforms into a winter wonderland of snow-laden branches. The Badger Creek Wilderness surrounding the tower teems with wildlife—black-tailed deer, elk, black bears, and countless bird species call these forests home—and on clear days, the panoramic views extend across multiple Cascade peaks, offering a perspective few ever experience.

Geological RegionFlag Point Lookout sits within the Badger Creek Wilderness, a pristine 29,000-acre preserve on Mount Hood's southeastern slopes in Oregon's Cascade Range, where volcanic peaks, ancient lava flows, and deep wilderness valleys create one of the Pacific Northwest's most dramatic mountain landscapes.

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Recommended CampsitesGuests must bring their own water, sleeping bags/bedding, a flashlight or lantern, first aid kit, washcloths/towels, dish soap and garbage bags. Basic amenities provided include a wood stove, propane cook stove, full-size bed, cooking utensils, firewood (shed stocked), and a pit vault toilet. A rope-and-pulley system is available to transport gear up the tower.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe cabin is atop a 40-foot tower with a surrounding wooden catwalk. The enclosed room is 14 by 14 feet and furnished with a small/full-size bed, table and chairs, a wood stove for heating, a propane cook stove and solar-powered lights. An outhouse with a vault toilet and a wood shed are on the ground; a rope-and-pulley system assists gear transport.

Open and Closed SeasonVehicle access on FS Road 44 may be restricted in winter; FS Road 44 is closed to motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide from Dec. 1 through Apr. 1 on the segment from Highway 35 to the junction with FS Road 4430. Winter driving conditions can occur in early fall and persist late into spring; during those periods access requires skis, snowshoes, or snowmobile travel from sno-parks.

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The lookout provides access to a range of year-round outdoor recreation including summer hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing and wildlife viewing, and extensive winter recreation such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The area is within the Badger Creek Wilderness and connects to local trail networks and nearby Fifteenmile Campground.

Hiking

Access to an established network of trails within the Badger Creek Wilderness; scenic hiking with panoramic Cascade views.

Fishing

Fishing is listed among the recreational opportunities accessible from the lookout area.

Biking

Mountain biking is enjoyed in the summer months on trails in the surrounding Badger Creek Wilderness.

Wildlife viewing

The lookout area supports wildlife viewing opportunities; a variety of wildlife make their home in the surrounding wilderness.

Winter Activities

Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular in winter; winter access is by ski, snowmobile or snowshoe from nearby sno-parks (10 or 17 miles).

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
A shed is stocked with firewood for guest use. General 'Pack it in, Pack it out' policy applies. No other specific fire restrictions or open-fire rules are stated.

Hazards

General hazardsNo on-site water available—guests must bring water. Winter access requires strenuous backcountry travel in winter conditions. Expect shared winter recreation use (skiers, snowmobilers, snowshoers). Gate may be locked; tower access involves climbing a 40-foot structure. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety.

Weather at Flag Point Lookout

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Moderate drizzle

Precipitation: 0.8%

Humidity: 93%

Wind: 13.5 mph

Moderate drizzle

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Trash and recyclingPack it in, Pack it out — guests must carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving.

Proximity to water featuresThere is no water on-site; guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

HostLocation is unstaffed. For general information contact the main office at (541) 352-6002.

Campground Map

Flag Point Lookout

Driving directionsLate Spring/Early Fall Access: Prior to snowfall in early fall and following snowmelt in late spring the lookout can be accessed by passenger vehicle; AWD or 4WD is recommended. There is a gate about 0.2 miles before the lookout which may be locked; the combination is the same provided to access the lookout tower. From Hood River/Portland/Sandy: take Highway 35 to FS Road 44 (Dufur Valley Road), turn northeast onto FS Road 44 and continue ~10 miles to junction with FS Road 2730; turn right onto FS Road 2730 and continue ~5 miles to junction with FS Road 2730-200; turn right onto 2730-200 and continue ~3.5 miles to Flag Point lookout tower. From Dufur/The Dalles: take Highway 197 to FS Road 44 and follow FS Road 44 west ~12 miles to junction with FS Road 2730; turn left onto FS Road 2730 and continue ~5 miles to junction with FS Road 2730-200; turn right onto 2730-200 and continue ~3.5 miles to Flag Point lookout tower. Winter Access: FS Road 44 (Dufur Valley Road) is closed from Highway 35 to the junction with FS Road 4430 from Dec. 1 through Apr. 1 to motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide without a permit. During winter months and periods of snowfall access is restricted to parking at Little John Sno-Park or Billybob Sno-Park and skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling to the lookout. Winter trips require strenuous winter-condition backcountry travel. Driving to Billybob Sno-Park: take Highway 197 to FS Road 44 and follow ~17 miles to Billybob Sno-Park, then follow FS Road 44 west to FS Road 4420, head south on FS Road 4420 to junction with 4420-200 and arrive at Flag Point. Driving to Little John Sno-Park: take Highway 35 to Little John Sno-Park, follow trail 620 to junction with FS Road 44, follow FS Road 44 to junction with FS Road 4420, head south on FS Road 4420 to junction with 4420-200 and arrive at Flag Point.

Accessible from Highway 35 and Highway 197 via Forest Service roads (FS Road 44, FS Road 2730 and spur roads). AWD or 4WD is highly recommended for late spring/early fall driving conditions; winter access requires skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing from designated sno-parks.

Nearby places

Hood River / Portland / Sandy (directions provided via Highway 35), Dufur / The Dalles (directions provided via Highway 197)

specific driving mileages to junctions and sno-parks are given in driving directions.

Nearby supplies

Northwest Forest Passes available in person at Hood River Ranger Station

ODOT Sno-park passes available from local vendors or online (links provided).