Looking for a unique winter camping experience surrounded by wilderness? Barlow Ranger District will reopen Flag Point Lookout for recreation rentals beginning November 1. Reservations can be made online beginning Wednesday, October 25 for the winter and spring seasons.

“We’re pleased to add Flag Point Lookout back into our recreation rental program,” said Kameron Sam, Barlow District Ranger. “This historic lookout is remote- about 10 miles from the parking area- so visitors should come prepared with the ‘10 Essentials’ for a ‘Pack-in, Pack-out’ experience.”

Flag Point Lookout was closed to the public in 2016 after repeated vandalism created employee safety concerns and damaged the active fire lookout. The district recreation program now has two seasonal winter rangers, adding necessary capacity to ensure regular site maintenance and monitoring.

Flag Point Lookout isn’t just a unique camping experience. The lookout tower plays a key role in the detection of fires on the Barlow Ranger District and adjoining lands.

“A fire lookout employee staffs this tower every summer, beginning in June,” said Sam. “We’re asking all visitors to please respect the facility so it can be used for years to come and continue to reduce the risk of large wildfires.”

Cost per night is $50 and visitors may reserve the lookout for up to seven consecutive nights. Reservations can be booked online through Recreation.gov at: www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10289153.
Fire lookout reservations fill up quickly in Mt. Hood National Forest, so anyone interested in using the facility this winter season shouldn’t wait to book. In the future, reservations will become available to book November- May on a six-month rolling basis.