"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Lookout Mtn., East of Mt. Hood in Oregon, is a very popular Mt. Hood-area hike. Most hikers approach the summit from Hwy 35. This is a five mile hike one-way, and the length and elevation gain (3000ft) force most people to stop at the summit, going no further. In my mind, though, the best way to do the second highest peak in the Mt. Hood National Forest (second after Mt. Hood), is "the back way," and then continue along the ridge another four miles to Flag Point Lookout. The views from Lookout Mtn. are, to be sure, fantastic! (Mts. Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens, the Columbia River, the wheat fields and ridges of Eastern Oregon, Mt. Hood, and, to the South, Mts. Jefferson and the Three Sisters.) Continuing East along the ridge, though, adds to the views and actually improves the views of Mt. Hood by framing it with incredible rock formations along the Eastern half of the ridge (if you do a bit of scrambling).
From Hood River, drive a good distance South on Hwy. 35. Turn East onto paved forest road 44 (which, in 25 or so miles, rolls into the quaint town of Dufur). At the four mile point, turn South (right) onto FR 4410 - gravel, very washboardy, but passable to all vehicles, and drive to the High Prarie TH (vehicle pass needed). The entire trail is in good condition, but don't bother taking the Fret Creek trail (at about the midway point) to Oval Lake, not even worth the .25 miles.
From your car, hike the High Prarie Trail approx. 1.5 miles to the summit of Lookout Mtn. This should be your first break - views abound. Then, head away from Mt. Hood on the Divide Trail. You will encounter some very steep ups and downs, and along the second half of this trail, watch for waytrails to the South (right) which lead to rock formations (easy scrambling necessary) for more great views. About 3.75 miles from Lookout Mtn., you will cross a dirt road. Head up the road, walk past a locked gate, and continue on up to Flag Point Lookout. When I arrived at the lookout on August 12, the ranger and his family invited me up and were very friendly and informative. And, again, the views are wonderful!
You'll return the way you came, again with steep ups and downs, and you'll actually gain more elevation on the return trip than when you headed out. Perhaps you'll also see the large doe that trotted across the trail not 25 feet in front of me!
Consider this a strenuous hike. The trail is appoximately 11 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of a tad over 2500 feet. Elevations range from about 5300 ft. to 6500 ft.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.
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