Indian Ridge Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late June through October, with exact dates depending on when the access road is clear of snow. Reservations open in advance 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. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Portion of Forest Service Road 1003 (Tom Creek Road) closed
A portion of Forest Service Road 1003, also known as Tom Creek Road, is closed. The road closure starts at the junction of FSR 10 and FSR 1003 and includes the first 4.1 miles of FSR 1003 to the junction with the 1003-416 and 1003-409 roads.
Winter conditions may impact recreation sites and roads
Willamette National Forest roads are not maintained for winter travel. Many roads become impassable due to snow, ice, and fallen trees and debris during the colder months. As a reminder, snow and ice accumulation on Forest Service Roads is typically greatest in shaded areas and in places that face,…
Snow report; sno-park permits required Nov. 1 to Apr. 30
Snow LevelsHere is the snow report for February 20, 2026! Fresh snow this week helped improve trail conditions and covered some of the old hard packed snow. New snow is described as dry and powdery. Always check weather and road conditions before heading out and be prepared for winter travel.…
Emigrant Fire Closure Order
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this Order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest. This Order…
Tamolitch Parking / Trail Construction Closure
Tamolitch Parking and Trail Construction Closure Forest Order.Forest roads 2600-735, 2600-738, and 2600-739: and the area is described as beginning at the junction of Highway 126 and 2600-735 road, west along the 2600-735 road, then northwest to the highwater mark of the east bank of the McKenzie…
Detroit Dispersed Camping Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 USC§ 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Closure Areas, roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative…
FIRE CLOSURES: Current wildfire closures on the Willamette National Forest
For updates on active fires, visit our fire Incident Information page. Fire Closures:Emigrant Fire Closure Order & Map (updated 10/31/25)Cedar Creek Fire Closure Order & Map (updated 3/22/25)Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure Order & Map (updated 05/22/25)Map of All Fire Closures in…
Beachie Creek and Lionshead Fires Closure
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the roads and their associated spur roads, trailheads, and recreation sites described in this order on National Forest System lands within the administrative boundaries…
Carmen Reservoir Closure
To protect the health and safety of the public: due to heavy machinery and construction equipment traffic, the following area is closed: the footprint of Carmen Reservoir, from the center of the reservoir up to the high-water line and extends to the spillway area to the southwest and Forest Road…
Cedar Creek Fire Closure
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.
14 Day Stay Camping Limit
Camping, occupying, or otherwise leaving camping equipment and/or related supplies at any locations on the Willamette National Forest described in this order, overnight, for a period longer than 14 calendar days, in a 30-day period.
Camping Restrictions in Cougar Recreation Area
The Cougar Recreation Area is a specially designated area around Cougar Reservoir. It includes a 1/2-mile strip on either side of Forest Service Road 19 from Hwy 126 to Forest Service Road 1927 as well as Terwilliger Hot Springs, Hidden Lake Day Use Area, areas surrounding Delta Campground, Slide…
Moose and Gordon Dispersed Camping Closure
The purpose of this closure is to prohibit dispersed overnight camping and make these areas available as day-use only. This is to allow river access for all users, reduce conflict, reduce safety concerns, reduce and eliminate health and sanitation issues associated with improper disposal of human…
Terwilliger Hot Springs Nudity, Alcohol, and Closed Times
To provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the areas and on the roads described in this Order.
Occupation Use Restriction in Middle Fork Ranger District
The following acts are prohibited in the areas described in this order within the administrative boundaries of the Willamette National Forest.Prohibitions:1. Being in the area after sundown to before sunrise.2. Parking in violation of posted instructions.
About
Indian Ridge Lookout sits at 5,405 feet elevation in the Willamette National Forest, named for the old Indian hunting trail that runs along the summit. Built in 1958, this historic fire lookout was actively used by Forest Service personnel until 1973 and is still occasionally staffed during emergencies. The tower stands 30 feet tall and requires guests to climb steep, narrow steps to reach the cabin. The 16x16-ft cabin sleeps up to 4 people and features 2 twin beds with foam mattresses, a table with chairs, storage shelves, and basic cleaning supplies. An outhouse with vault toilet is located 50 feet from the lookout. The location is primitive with no heat, electricity, or water available. Guests must bring all drinking water, cooking supplies, bedding, lighting, and food. Propane stoves and lanterns are recommended over liquid gas appliances. Views from the lookout are spectacular, featuring the Three Sisters prominent to the northeast, panoramic vistas of the Cascade Crest north and south, and glimpses of Sand Mountain and Carpenter Mountain Lookouts visible with binoculars. Hidden Lake sits below the northern edge of the mountaintop. The open ridge is covered with beargrass and huckleberries, with rocky outcroppings supporting wildflowers and mossy vegetation. The lookout's position above the tree line and far from city lights makes it exceptional for stargazing. An unmaintained trail meanders through alpine trees and beargrass along the ridge. Nearby recreation includes the French Pete Trail Area in the Three Sisters Wilderness, Cougar Reservoir, and Hidden Lake.
Directions
From Highway 126, travel south on Forest Service Road 19 (Aufderheide Scenic Byway) to FSR 1980. Turn west onto FSR 1980 and travel to FSR 1980-247. Follow to the top where the road ends at the lookout. Access road is rocky and depends on snow levels.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.mf@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (541) 822-3381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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