Hager Mountain Lookout

Let me start off by saying don't miss a chance to eat at Cowboy Dinner Tree while you're in the area. We stayed at a cabin there the night before we headed up Hager. It was amazing. It's a good thing I had been in the gym prepping for this. I don't think we used the official trail but more of a forest service road. We followed our phones directions up until the truck couldn't safely make it any farther and then walked about 2-2.5 mi up. The path/road was easy to follow although there were no markers. It was grueling the last mile and we stopped frequently to catch our breath. When we got there the party before us hadn't left any chopped would or kindling. So we rested a bit and then chopped would and hauled it up. The fire was lovely and kept the lookout more than toasty, we actually slept with the window open. A couple suggestions, take a sheet to cover the mattress, they're old and sketchy but totally usable. Bring slippers for inside the cabin otherwise you'll be in a constant state of drying your socks off because of snow that gets tracked in. Bring a good camera or a newer phone with a quality camera. The views are worth every bit of the struggle. This is a trip that will set your soul on fire and I can't overstate how gorgeous the views are. The sky was clear at night and we could see every single star. Epic.

Excellent. There is a bit of a mice issue but it was otherwise amazing as always. I'd recommend sterilizing anything as there are mice droppings and they did get into our food overnight. We had snow from just after the trail head to the lookout, but less than in a previous visit. I highly recommend making a stop at the Cowboy Dinner Tree.

There are plenty of games and things to keep you busy!

What a great experience! Last mile was difficult and had to break trail through deep snow. Thank you for keeping this available for the public to rent!

We enjoy our annual trip to Hager and appreciate the experience ! Very clean and tidy !

Second Lookout adventure for me. Absolutely love it every time. There always seems to be a little lack of information going into it but that is part of the adventure. Called Rangers prior to trip and they were very pleasant and helpful on the phone. I really wouldn't change anything and hope you/they don't. It's suppose to be an adventure, not a Sunday stroll or 5 star hotel.
Thx, Bradd