Hager Mountain Lookout
Fremont-Winema National Forest
Hager Mountain Lookout sits at an elevation of 7,195 feet, offering guests spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area. It is one of a diminishing number of lookouts still staffed for fire detection annually during the fire season and is open to guests in the winter months. The site is available for rent from November 15 to May 15, offering a unique lodging experience for guests seeking a bit of solitude and relaxation. For the remainder of the year, it is staffed by Forest Service personnel. This rugged, winter destination awaits the most enthusiastic outdoor adventurers as it is only accessible by foot, snowshoes or cross-country skis. Skiing or snowshoeing can take from a couple of hours to half a day or more, depending on weather conditions and one's physical endurance. Travel into remote locations in the winter requires experience and advance preparation. Expect windy conditions.
The fire lookout is a 14' x 14' room that can accommodate up to four people. It is furnished with three beds and mattresses. It is also equipped with a countertop, woodstove and propane stove. Firewood is provided. A picnic table is provided outside. A pit toilet is also located near the lookout. There is no water on-site, so guests must bring sufficient supplies for drinking, cooking and washing. Guests must also provide their own food, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a light source, towels, dish soap, matches, cooking gear, first aid kit, toilet paper and garbage bags.
Need to Know
- While traveling to Hager Mountain Lookout, weather conditions can change quickly and dramatically. Let others know of your travel plans and carry communication, such as a cell phone.
- Please bring your own garbage bags, 'Pack it in, Pack it out'.
- Cookware, and bedding other than the three mattresses are not provided.
- Do not split wood on the porch or inside the cabin; this practice is damaging the site. Split wood down by the shed.
- There is no water at the look out. Carry in your own water or melt snow when available.
- Be prepared for winter conditions and the possibility of having to camp out on the trail overnight. Let others know of your travel plans, and carry communication, water and food. The trail to the lookout is uphill and can be very strenuous depending on snow conditions. Arrive early and allow extra time for bad weather or losing the route. Several groups have become disorientated and required search and rescues teams to assist them in the past. Plan ahead and be prepared!
- Please contact the Ranger District at (541) 576-2107 prior to arriving at the cabin to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit.
Natural Features
A series of dome-building volcanic eruptions occurring about 8 million years ago gave birth to Hager Mountain. The lookout is perched on the bald cap rocks that make up this mountain and offers 360 degree views as far as Mount Hood and Mount Shasta on a clear day.
Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, volcanic landscapes and wide-open sage basins, the area is known for scenic vistas and wild places where guests can still find solitude.
Recreation
Hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, snowshoeing and skiing are popular activities. Hager Mountain is used during fire season to keep watch over the surrounding flat lands for any sign of smoke. During the winter, it becomes a winter wonderland and has one of the best snowshoeing climbs available in southern Oregon. The strenuous 4-mile hike up the west side of the peak leads to a panoramic view of the landscape. The lookout is a great spot for winter camping.
At night the lookout is an ideal setting for stargazing, as constellations and planets put on a dazzling display.
Contact Information
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65600 HWY 31 SILVER LAKE OR 97638
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-576-2107
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Silver Lake, drive to County Road 4-12. Travel south on County Road 4-12, which turns into Forest Road 28. Continue south to milepost 9. The car pull-off is on the left. Walk, ski or snowshoe 4 miles to the National Recreation Trail to get to Hager Lookout. In the winter, please check with the Silver Lake Ranger District for Snow conditions to determine the best method of access prior to departure. The rental season begins and ends during periods when snow levels fluctuate, making walking or driving access questionable.
