Clear Lake Cabin Lookout
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout is situated on the southern slope of Mt. Hood, providing spectacular panorama views of snow-covered treetops, alpine lakes and rugged Cascade peaks. It also provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as winter sports.
From December 1st through April 30th, and during winter driving conditions, the lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing 3.5 miles one way from a parking area at Skyline Sno-park. Winter driving conditions can occur in early fall and persist late into the spring. An ODOT Sno-Park permit is required to park at Skyline Sno-park and the trek takes about three to four hours. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The cabin is atop a 40-foot tower and is surrounded by a wooden catwalk. The 14-by-14 room is furnished with a small bed, a wood stove for heating and a table and chairs. It has a propane cook stove and solar-powered lights. There is no water on-site.
An outhouse with vault toilets is located on the ground, as well as a shed stocked with firewood. A rope and pulley system is available to transport gear, as well as firewood, up and down the tower with ease.
Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own bedding, food and clothing, towels, toilet paper, among other necessities. Garbage bags are also not supplied and guests will need to carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving.
Need to Know
For current conditions, please call Barlow Ranger District office at 541-467-2291. The office is staffed Monday thru Friday 8am-4:30pm.
The road accessing the tower is closed seasonally, from 12/1 through 4/30 the lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling or snowshoeing 3.5 miles one way from a parking area at Skyline Sno-Park.
- Drinking water is not available at the tower
The combination to the tower, woodshed, and gate (if locked) are all the same and are included in your confirmation email.
Check-out is 11am, check-in is 3pm.
- Be prepared for extreme winter weather conditions; guests should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills
A sno-park permit is required to park at Skyline Sno-Park
- The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets; the steps and catwalk can become quite slippery and the tower may sway in strong winds
- Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Firewood is provided for indoor use only.
Natural Features
The tower sits on Clear Lake Butte, a 4,454-foot gently sloped hillside covered with fir trees, on the south side of Mt. Hood. Of the nine peaks in Oregon's Cascade Mountain Range, Mt. Hood stands the tallest, at 11,239 feet. It is thickly forested and capped with glaciers and snow.
The lookout tower is perched on the mountainside, near the northwest corner of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. It is one of three Forest Service watchtowers on Mt. Hood and it is still used to spot fires during summertime each year.
Originally 100 feet tall when it was built in 1932, the tower was replaced with the current 40-foot building in 1962. It overlooks Clear Lake and Timothy Lake in the distance. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
Recreation
The surrounding area is popular among winter sports enthusiasts, as it offers access to miles of great cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. A ski tour is available around the spring-fed Little Crater Lake. Fishing is available in the various mountain lakes and streams, however, many may be frozen.
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 541-467-2291
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Access begins at the junction of Highway 26 and Forest Service Road 42, 12 miles south of Government Camp, Oregon, at the Skyline Sno-Park. Between 12/1 and 04/30, guests must park at the Sno-Park and ski, snowshoe or snowmobile to the facility. From the parking area, proceed on Forest Service Road 42 to the 240 spur road and continue to the lookout, approximately 3.2 miles with an elevation climb of 900 feet. It is a good path for moderate skiers and will take three-and-a-half to four hours to complete. Maps are available online or for purchase by calling the Barlow Ranger District.
Guests will need to purchase a Sno-Park permit to park at Skyline Sno-Park. Permits can be purchased at several locations in the Portland area, or at CJ's on Highway 26, west of the intersection of Highway 26 and Forest Service Road 42.
