Flag Point Lookout
Open — Open for winter rentals through May 31. Currently accessible only by skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling 10-17 miles from Billybob Sno-Park or Little John Sno-Park. Forest Service Road 44 is closed to motorized vehicles over 48 inches wide from December 15 through March 15. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Debris Removal on Salmon River Road
Significant roadwork is occurring on Salmon River Road (Forest Road 2618) on the Zigzag Ranger District beginning Friday, January 16 through at least Monday January 19. Large vehicles on the roadway will impact visitors accessing Old Salmon River Trail.
Winter Storm Closure - Forest Order
(Effective through Jan. 31, 2026) To protect public and Forest Service staff's safety following the 2025 winter storm event as well as prevent road and natural resource damage, a temporary closure order is in place on select roads on the Clackamas River & Zigzag Ranger Districts.
Bagby Hot Springs CLOSED
Bagby Hot Springs is closed. A landslide has closed Forest Road 70, preventing access to the springs.
Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED
Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is CLOSED due to heavy damage from the December storms. Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A is blocked by multiple slides and completely washed out and destroyed in one section, making Tamanawas Falls inaccessible via that route.
Hazards from Winter Storms
Heavy rains and strong winds have created many hazards across Mt. Hood National Forest and surrounding areas. December storms resulted in downed trees on Forest Roads in addition to localized flooding, landslides, and rockfall.
Sno-park Permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30
Sno-Park Permits are required to park in designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Sno-Park Permits are managed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
Eagle Creek Fire Area Closures - Forest Order
In 2017, the Eagle Creek Fire caused extensive damage to surrounding areas in Columbia River Gorge and parts of Mt. Hood National Forest. Some trails are closed to the public in both the Gorge and Hood River Ranger District, pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b).
Health and Safety Closure Due to Roadside Danger Trees - Forest Order
The following acts are prohibited upon the National Forest System Roads described below. Forest Order #06-06-05-25-03 renews Order 06- 06-06-00-23-01, and will be effective June 26, 2025, through June 26, 2026.PROHIBITIONS:
Crane Creek bridge closed on the Barlow Road
The Crane Creek bridge on the Barlow Road (Forest Road 3530) is collapsed and closed. The Barlow Road is open, but it can't be driven from end to end.
About
Flag Point Lookout stands at 5,650 feet elevation in the heart of Badger Creek Wilderness on the southeast side of Mount Hood. The current lookout is a 15x15-foot R-6 Flat Top style structure built in 1973, replacing earlier iterations dating back to 1924. This active fire detection station still serves Forest Service lookout personnel during summer months and offers a unique remote lodging experience for visitors. The lookout provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Cascade Range, including Mount Hood dominating the western horizon, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier to the north, and Mount Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south. The tower sits surrounded by the Badger Creek Wilderness, offering views of snow-covered forests, alpine terrain, and rugged peaks. Winter access requires significant backcountry experience and strenuous travel. From Billybob Sno-Park, visitors must ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile approximately 11 miles along Forest Service roads. An alternative route from Little John Sno-Park covers about 10 miles. The lookout includes basic amenities: a wood heating stove, gas cook stove, full-size bed, cooking utensils, firewood, and a vault toilet. This is a shared winter recreation area with heavy use from cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers.
Directions
Winter access: From Dufur/The Dalles, take Highway 197 to FS Road 44 (Dufur Valley Road), follow west approximately 17 miles to Billybob Sno-Park. Ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile west on FS Road 44 to junction with FS Road 4420, head south on 4420 to junction with 4420-200, turn south to Flag Point Lookout (approximately 11 miles total). Northwest Forest Pass required at Billybob Sno-Park. Alternative route from Little John Sno-Park off Highway 35 via Trail 620 to FS Road 44 (approximately 10 miles). Late spring/early fall vehicle access available when snow-free; 4WD/AWD highly recommended.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (541) 467-2291 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!