Type: 20′ R-6 tower
Status: Staffed/rental
Elevation: 5,400′
Visited: June 3, 2023
I’ve never been successful in renting the Green Ridge Lookout, but I stopped by to see it while I was in the area this weekend. There is a gate 0.3 miles before the lookout, which people on OHVs have clearly tried to circumvent in the past, as evidenced by the pile of rocks and logs beside the gate:
At some point they also cut a path through the brush to get around the gate, and the Forest Service has piled rocks and logs here too to block access:
There’s a sign on the gate about respecting the privacy of renters and volunteers:
It’s 0.3 miles between the gate and the lookout. Thanks to the Bridge 99 Fire in 2019 the trees have burnt and opened up the views:
There’s a decent-sized parking area, along with a picnic table and toilet:
I was lucky to not only visit on a beautiful clear day, but also to find the place unoccupied:
The catwalk was locked, of course, but there are are good views from the lower deck (which has another picnic table):
Mt. Hood:
Mt. Jefferson:
Three Fingered Jack:
Belknap Crater and Mt. Washington:
Three Sisters:
Directions
From Highway 20 west of Sisters, turn north onto Road 11, which is signed for Indian Ford Campground. Follow this road for 10 miles until the pavement ends and the road forks. Take the left fork onto Road 1150 and follow it for 6 miles, then turn left on road 1154. After 0.6 miles the road reaches a T junction with Road 1140 where you will turn left. After 0.2 miles, reach another junction and turn right on Road 600. After 1 mile you will reach a locked gate. Unless you’re renting and have the gate code, you’ll park here (not blocking the gate) and walk 0.3 miles to the lookout.
More information
Forest Lookouts
Rex’s Forest Fire Lookout Page
National Historic Lookout Register
Peakbagger
Panorama Photos
Geocache
History
In 1933 a 10×10′ L-5 lookout was built on Green Ridge. In 1961 it was replaced with the current 20′ tower.
1972
1991
The lookout is available to rent in May and June then it is staffed the rest of the summer. It is available to rent again in the fall until winter arrives.