Flag Point Lookout

Overview

Flag Point Lookout is situated on the eastern side of Mt. Hood and is surrounded by the Badger Creek Wilderness, the lookout boasts a spectacular panorama view of snow-covered treetops and rugged Cascade peaks. It provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as winter sports. During summer driving conditions the lookout can be accessed by driving, 4WD or AWD is highly recommended. During winter driving conditions, the lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing either 10 or 17 miles from a parking area at Billybob Sno-park or Little John Sno-park. Winter driving conditions can occur in early fall and persist late into the spring. 

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for the parking area at Billy Bob Sno-park, annual or day passes can be purchased in person at the Hood River Ranger Station or online at https://www.discovernw.org/annual-northwest-forest-pass. An ODOT Sno-park pass is required for parking at Little John Sno-park and can be purchased at local vendors or online at https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/vehicle/sno_park_permits.aspx.

Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Basic overnight amenities such as a wood heating stove, gas cook stove, full size bed, cooking utensils, firewood, and a pit toilet are provided.

Recreation

In the summer months, visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in the area, as well as the gorgeous views from the lookout. The lookout is near Fifteenmile Campground, and an established network of trails within the Badger Creek wilderness. 

The area is popular among winter sports enthusiasts as well, as the location provides access to numerous cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling trails. It is a shared winter recreation area and lookout guests should expect other winter sports enthusiasts in the area.

Facilities

The cabin is atop a 40-foot tower and is surrounded by a wooden catwalk. The 14-by-14 room is furnished with a small bed, a wood stove for heating and a table and chairs. It has a propane cook stove and solar-powered lights. There is no water on-site. 

An outhouse with a vault toilet is located on the ground, as well as a shed stocked with firewood. A rope and pulley system is available to transport gear, as well as firewood, up and down the tower with ease.

Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own sleeping bags/bedding, a flashlight or lantern for emergencies, first aid kit, washcloths and towels, dish soap and garbage bags. This is a "Pack it in, Pack it out" facility; guests will need to carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving.

Natural Features

The tower sits in the center of the Badger Creek Wilderness, at 5,500ft of elevation, on the south east side of Mt. Hood. Of the nine peaks in Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range, Mt. Hood stands the tallest, at 11,239 feet. It is thickly forested and capped with glaciers and snow.  

The lookout tower is one of three Forest Service watchtowers on Mt. Hood and it is still used to spot fires during summertime each year. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (541) 352-6002.

Late Spring/Early Fall Access:

Prior to snowfall in the early fall, and following snowmelt in the late spring, the lookout can be accessed by passenger vehicle. AWD or 4WD is recommended. There is a gate about .2 miles before the lookout which may be locked when you arrive. The combination to the gate is the same combination provided to access the lookout tower. Please leave the gate in which you found it upon arrival. 

Driving from Hood River/Portland/Sandy – take highway 35 to FS road 44 (Dufur Valley Road), turn northeast onto FS road 44 and continue approximately 10 miles to the junction with FS road 2730. Turn right onto FS road 2730 and continue approximately 5 miles to the junction with FS road 2730-200, turn right onto 2730-200 and continue approximately 3.5 miles to Flag Point lookout tower. 

Driving from Dufur/The Dalles – take Highway 197 to FS Road 44 (Dufur Valley Road). Follow FS Road 44 west approximately 12 miles to the junction with FS road 2730. Turn left onto FS road 2730 and continue approximately 5 miles to the junction with FS road 2730-200, turn right onto 2730-200 and continue approximately 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. 1st through April 1st, prohibiting motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide without a permit. During the winter months and periods of snowfall, access to the lookout is restricted to parking at either Little John Sno-Park or Billybob Sno-Park and skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling to the lookout. Please note this trip requires strenuous winter condition backcountry travel.  

Driving from Dufur/The Dalles and parking at Billybob Sno-park: take highway 197 to FS Road 44 (Dufur Valley Road). Follow FS Road 44 west approximately 17 miles to Billybob Sno-Park. Park in the parking area and follow FS road 44 west to the junction with FS Road 4420. Head south on FS Road 4420 to the junction with 4420-200. Turn south on to FS Road 4420-200 and arrive at Flag Point lookout. 

Driving from Hood River/Portland/Sandy and parking at Little John Sno-park: take highway 35 to Little John Sno-park. Park in the parking area and follow trail 620 to the junction with FS road 44, follow FS road 44 to the junction with FS Road 4420, head south on FS Road 4420 to the junction with 4420-200. Turn south on to FS Road 4420-200 and arrive at Flag Point lookout.