Indian Ridge Lookout
Currently closed for the season. Opens June 28, 2026 and closes October 11, 2026. Reservations required via Recreation.gov. Call McKenzie River Ranger Station at least 72 hours before arrival to confirm access code and conditions.
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
Indian Ridge Lookout sits at 5,405 feet in the Willamette National Forest, offering commanding views of the Three Sisters, the Cascade Crest to the north and south, and Hidden Lake below. Built in 1958, the lookout served as an active fire detection station until 1973 and is still occasionally staffed during emergencies. The 16x16-ft cabin is accessed by climbing steep, narrow steps up the 30-foot tower. It sleeps 4 with two twin beds and foam mattresses, plus a table and chairs. A vault toilet is located 50 feet from the tower, and a picnic table and fire ring are provided outside. No heat, electricity, or water are available. Guests must bring all water, cooking equipment, bedding, and pack out all trash. The ridge is covered with beargrass and huckleberries, with wildflowers on rocky outcroppings. A trail meanders through alpine terrain for exploration. The French Pete Trail Area in the Three Sisters Wilderness and Cougar Reservoir are nearby for additional recreation.
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. The access road is rocky.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| 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
| Phone | +1 (541) 822-3381 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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