Established Camping
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout is situated in the Mt. Hood National Forest, featuring forested terrain with nearby lakes. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Visitors can explore the scenic Trillium Lake and the historic Timberline Lodge, both accessible within a short distance.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Mt. Hood National Forest
Overview
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.
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (541) 467-2291.
Fee Info
The lookout is available during winter months, from Nov. 1 to May 31. The maximum length stay is seven consecutive nights. Fees are used for the maintenance and preservation of the lookout.
Location
Clear Lake Cabin Lookout is located in Oregon
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.
Coordinates
45.156497 N
121.71851 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
