Flag Point Lookout

Surrounded by Badger Creek Wilderness, Flag Point Lookout has some of the most scenic views around, boasting a spectacular panorama view of snow-covered treetops, alpine lakes and rugged Cascade peaks. It offers a unique, remote winter camping experience and also provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, as well as winter sports. Staffed as a fire lookout during the summer from June 1 through October 31, Flag Point plays a key role in the detection of fires on the Barlow Ranger District and adjoining lands.

The cabin is atop a 40-foot tower and is surrounded by a wooden catwalk. The 14 ft. x 14 ft. room is furnished with a small bed, a wood stove for heating, and a table and chairs. It has a propane cook stove and solar-powered lights. There is no water on-site. An outhouse with a vault toilet is located on the ground, as well as a shed stocked with firewood. A rope and pulley system is available to transport gear, as well as firewood, up and down the tower with ease.

Guests will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes, as well as their own sleeping bags/bedding, a flashlight or lantern for emergencies, first aid kit, washcloths and towels, dish soap and garbage bags. This is a "Pack it in, Pack it out" facility; guests will need to carry out all trash and clean the facility prior to leaving. Learn more about Leave No Trace ethics.

History

Flag Point Lookout sits at 5,650 ft. elevation on Flag Point Butte. The original lookout was built circa 1924. It was a 6 ft. x 6 ft. observation cabin and the staff person had to climb a 40 ft. timber pole to reach the platform. In 1932 the Forest Service built a standard L-4 style lookout on a 30 ft. pole frame tower to replace the earlier structure. Some reconstruction occurred in 1955. The present lookout is a 15 ft. x 15 ft. "R-6 Flat Top" style built in 1973.

Active Alerts

Closure in place for Grasshopper Fire

Reservations

Visit Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777 to make a reservation up to 6 months in advance.
The maximum length of stay is 7 consecutive nights with a maximum capacity of four occupants.
Fire lookouts are popular and reservations are booked quickly. If you weren't able to make a reservation, consider setting availability alerts on Recreation.gov in case someone cancels their reservation. To set availability alert: Sign in on Recreation.gov, go to the recreation site, and click on the bell under the "Campsite List" tab.

General Information

No smoking
Pets are welcome
A recreation pass is required to park at Billy Bob Sno-park

Amenities

Bed
Cooking pots & utensils
Firewood
Outhouse
Propane oven
Wood stove
Table & chairs

More details about amenities are listed on Recreation.gov.

Warning

Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Visitors should be experienced in back country travel and survival skills. The height of the cabin and the open catwalk pose serious risks for children and pets. The steps and catwalk can become quite slippery due to rain, snow and ice, and the tower may sway in strong winds.

During the winter, Flag Point Lookout can only be accessed by skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing up to 10 miles from the parking area at Billy Bob Sno-Park. This lookout is only recommended for people experienced in backcountry travel and survival skills.

November 1 - May 31

Open 24 hours/day

You cannot drive your vehicle to this site, unless it's a snowmobile. Forest Road 44 closes to cars and trucks seasonally.
Smoking is not allowed in the lookout tower.

Recreation Passes required to park at Billy Bob Sno-Park.

Overnight Use:
$50 per night

$5 per vehicle day required at Billy Bob Sno-Park