Flag Point Lookout
US 489, OR 82
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 489, OR 82 (view other lookouts in United States, Oregon) |
| Date Registered | March 31, 2003 |
| Nominated by | Howard Verschoor, Oregon Registrar |
| Location |
Mt. Hood National Forest Wasco County, Oregon |
| Coordinates |
N 45° 19.025' W 121° 28.133' (view using Google Maps) N 45° 19' 01" W 121° 28' 08" N 45.317080° W 121.468880° |
| Elevation | 5,636 ft (1,718 m) |
| Built | 1973 |
| Administered by | U.S. Forest Service |
| Cooperators | Barlow Ranger District |
Description
Located east of Mt. Hood with a great view of Oregon’s highest peak, Flag Point Lookout is both an active fire detection station and a very popular winter lookout rental site. The first structure was a 6’x6’ cab on a 40’ pole tower in 1924. It was replaced in 1932 with an L-4 on a 30’ pole tower. The present R-6 flattop on 41’ timber tower was constructed in 1973. It will be listed on the National Lookout Register until it reaches age 50.
Update August 1, 2026
Mt. Hood National Forest- US Forest Service's Post - Point Fire Lookout Fire officials have confirmed that the Flag Point Fire Lookout was destroyed by the Grasshopper Fire last night.
Flag Point has long been an important part of the Mt. Hood National Forest and holds a special place for many members of the surrounding communities. While the first lookout at this site was installed in 1924, the current Flag Point Lookout was constructed in 1973. It continued to be staffed every summer as part of the network of lookouts, forest staff patrol, cameras, and other remote sensing technology to detect wildfires on Mt. Hood.
In the preceding days, firefighters made an extensive effort to prepare the lookout. Over three days, crews cleared surrounding vegetation, removed trees where possible, and utilized fire retardant around the structure to improve its chances of surviving the approaching fire. Firefighters remained engaged in structure protection operations as long as conditions allowed.
Fire behavior, dense smoke and hazardous conditions ultimately made it unsafe to continue direct protection efforts. Firefighter and public safety remain the highest priority on every incident. The dedication and efforts of the firefighters who worked to protect it reflect the commitment to safeguarding lives and the surrounding communities.
Firefighters remain fully engaged in suppressing the Grasshopper Fire, protecting nearby communities and critical infrastructure. The public is reminded to observe all forest closures and fire restrictions to help reduce the risk of additional wildfires.
Map
Change Basemap
Visit Reports
November 5, 2007: Jeff Johnson
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | No Response |
| Shutters OK? | Yes |
| Condition of wood OK? | Yes |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | This lookout is on the Historic Lookout Register. It is great shape and is still in service during the fire season. It has a very nice wood stove for heat, propane range, fride, and solar lights. Sleeps 4. It is a difficult cross country ski trip. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | Yes |
| Comments: | I could see Mt Raineer, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson, Mt Washington, Three fingered Jack, North Sister, Middle Sister, and South Sister. Ten major Cascade peaks. |
| Other enroachments? | A small tower which is unobtrusive is in the area. |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | Yes |
| Comments? | The route to the lookout is paved most the way, but the last 2 or 3 miles is rough road. The area is gated, without reservations you will need to hike 1/4 mile. With reservations you can park at the base of the lookout. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? |
Sometimes
It is staffed in the fire season. June to October. Rentable Nov thru May.
|
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No Response |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | No Response |