High Ridge

Type: 67′ tower with R-6 cab
Status: Staffed
Elevation: 5,303′
Visited: October 17, 2021

On my way home from staying at the Fry Meadow Guard Station I made a detour to visit the High Ridge Lookout. As I approached I could see it from Road 31:

High Ridge Lookout

I turned onto Road 270 then immediately left onto 271, then parked at the gate and started walking:

High Ridge Lookout

High Ridge Lookout

High Ridge Lookout

High Ridge Lookout

It was one mile from the gate to the tower, which was built in 1959:

High Ridge Lookout

This late in the season it wasn’t being staffed anymore and the catwalk was locked, as I expected. But there’s a nice viewing platform just below where I got to experience being blasted by the wind:

High Ridge Lookout

The views were great and I could see lots of beautiful larches:

High Ridge Lookout

High Ridge Lookout

High Ridge Lookout

The distant Wallowa Mountains were visible:

High Ridge Lookout

Nice view along the ridge:

High Ridge Lookout

I could see the old outhouse in the trees:

High Ridge Lookout

I spotted some deer grazing below:

High Ridge Lookout

Lookout shadow:

High Ridge Lookout

After coming down from the tower I walked out along the ridge. There are remains from the prior 1941 lookout out there:

High Ridge Lookout

High Ridge Lookout

High Ridge Lookout

Looking back at the tower:

High Ridge Lookout

Directions

From the intersection of Highway 204 and Road 31, head west on Road 31. After four miles turn right onto Road 270, then make an immediate left onto Road 271. After about 0.3mi you’ll reach a gate which may be closed and locked. If so, park here and hike up the road approximately one mile to the tower, otherwise you can drive all the way up to the top.

More information
Forest Lookouts
Rex’s Forest Fire Lookout Page
National Historic Lookout Register
Peakbagger
Panorama Photos
Geocache

History

High Ridge became a lookout site in 1941 with the construction of a 40′ pole tower and L4 cab, pictured here in 1955:


USFS

That tower was replaced in 1959 with a 67′ tower and R6 cab that still stands there today, pictured here in 1963:

High Ridge, 1963