Indian Ridge Lookout

This is an amazing lookout with stunning views from Mt Hood all the way south to Diamond Peak with the Three Sisters front and center. Sunrise was out of this world.

The ~10 mi dirt road up from the paved road was in good condition, some eroded parts but overall not difficult in a Subaru Outback. The gate's been fixed. It still doesn't lock but it's not dragging on the ground anymore.

I love that the lookout has only two flights of stairs - not as tall as Warner or Fivemile but still with outstanding views. Inside is a little bare bones but very spacious without the firefinder column in the middle. The two single beds were very comfortable and it was nice to have a big table and some storage space to spread out our stuff. No cook stove or heat stove so bring a camp stove. There were warnings about rodents and hantavirus but no evidence of mice. The star gazing was phenomenal! The cabin stayed warm for hours after sunset (the high had been around 70F) and got down to 48F by morning.

We hiked at Sahalie and Koosah Falls on the way in and also love the Tamolitch Blue Pool and Clear Lake hikes nearby. It was a little cold for swimming so we skipped Hidden Lake (a short drive from the LO) this time but that's a great option in warmer weather.

Honestly the nicest road up to a lookout I’ve done. It was gravel but very smooth. The lookout itself was in very good condition as well as the bathroom. There is a garbage can in the bathroom. Cell service is available but better once you’re in the lookout tower. Unfortunately, it was foggy so we couldn’t enjoy the view but the lake was visible if you looked over the cliff. We also stopped at the hot springs on the way up to the lookout. Picnic table and fire pit also at the site. Would definitely stay here again!

Spend a cold, sometimes snowy night here again in June. Was delighted to see that the bedding had been improved from the last time we visited. Less delighted to see that the toilet is now being used to store garbage, leading to a perturbing funk. Thought this was a pack in, pack out scenario?

Had a great time, Thank you very much.
Appreciate all your hard work and dedication.
I will remember you at the polls too.

same

Loved it up here again. Just wish there wasn’t an outside grill or stove top to cook with like Timber Butte. Also. Very cold without a heat source!

This is one of the best towers. It's a little bigger than others but there is only two chairs a table and two twin beds so bring everything you need. Use small totes or small luggage to carry your stuff up. A large ice chest or box is difficult to take up the steps. Not very safe for pets or children. Cliffs. Limited cell service.1 bar maybe 2.

Very clean, very scenic. Privy well kept. Comfortable beds. No heat, appliances or amenities so be prepared. Road was in good condition and anything Subaru or above would make it fine.

Bare bones lookout but in good condition. We had some visitors that came up and stayed for hours. There is no gate to stop non renters from showing up.

We had an amazing stay at Indian Ridge Lookout. We were impressed with how clean and well-maintained the facility is, including the vault toilet. We enjoyed soaking in the hot springs and floating in Hidden Lake, as well as hiking around the ridge and exploring. Sunsets were incredible, and we slept peacefully during the quiet nights. One suggestion for future visitors: if someone can bring a ~2 ft bungee cord, the existing cord that holds the trap door open is worn and about to break, so a replacement would be handy to prevent having to open the trap door every time you go downstairs!