Flag Point Lookout
Open for reservations through May 31, 2026. Currently in winter-access mode requiring skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling 10-17 miles from Billybob or Little John Sno-parks. Summer vehicle access typically resumes in late spring after snowmelt; AWD/4WD required. Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
About
Flag Point Lookout sits at 5,650 feet elevation on Flag Point Butte, surrounded by the Badger Creek Wilderness on the southeast side of Mount Hood. The current structure is a 15x15 foot R-6 Flat Top Style lookout built in 1973, replacing earlier towers dating to 1924. During fire season, Forest Service personnel still use it for fire detection, but from November through May it's available as a unique overnight rental. The 14x14 foot cabin is furnished with a full-size bed, table and chairs, wood heating stove, and propane cook stove with cooking utensils. A shed stocked with firewood sits at the base, and a rope-and-pulley system helps transport gear up the tower. A vault toilet outhouse is located at ground level. No drinking water is available; guests must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Winter access is demanding. The road is closed from December through early April, requiring visitors to ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile 10-17 miles from Billybob or Little John Sno-parks. This is strenuous backcountry travel requiring proper equipment and survival skills. The tower's wooden catwalk and steps become icy and slippery, and the structure may sway in strong winds.
Directions
Winter access from Dufur/The Dalles: Take Highway 197 to FS Road 44 (Dufur Valley Road). Follow FS Road 44 west approximately 17 miles to Billybob Sno-Park. Park and follow FS Road 44 west to FS Road 4420 junction, head south to 4420-200, then south to Flag Point Lookout (approximately 11 miles one-way). From Hood River/Portland/Sandy: Take Highway 35 to Little John Sno-Park. Follow Trail 620 to FS Road 44, then to FS Road 4420 and 4420-200 to the lookout (approximately 17 miles). Summer access with AWD/4WD via FS Road 44 to 2730 to 2730-200.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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 | |
| Mt. Hood NF - Flag Point Lookout |
Availability
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