Tucked deep within Washington wilderness stands the Red Mountain Lookout, one of the last remaining active fire lookouts in the country. This fire lookout watches over Gifford Pinchot National Forest and has clear views of Mt. Hood, Rainer, Adams, and St. Helens. In the afternoon, you can trek up to this lookout and take in its scenic Pacific Northwest beauty.
This historic lookout is located just north of Carson, Washington, and sits at 4,965 ft. elevation (around halfway up Mt. Hood). First built in 1913, Red Mountain Lookout has served for over a century when it comes to forest fire prevention and is one of the last towers still active. In the past, fire lookouts were posted at these towers to spot fires and report them. However, it has become a dying profession, as many fire lookout towers sit abandoned due to new technology making their jobs unnecessary when it comes to reporting fires.
Yet, Red Mountain Lookout is still operating, as it is renowned to be one of the best fire lookouts in the Columbia when it comes to the view. With the help of volunteers and the Forest Service, this lookout has been repaired and maintained to remain a perfect destination for hikers.
To reach this viewpoint, there are two viable options for your hike. Both the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Indian Racetrack Trail can lead you to the lookout in a 6.5-mile out-and-back hike. These trails take a different route to the lookout, but both offer plenty of beautiful scenery leading up to the peak.
When mapping your drive to either of these trails, make sure to map “Horse Camp: Falls Creek” for the Indian Racetrack Trailhead or “Campground: Crest Camp/Trailhead” for the PCT. Simply mapping “Red Mountain Lookout” will bring you to a gated-off road for Forest Service only, so be wary when driving to the trailhead.
Another key point to keep in mind when heading to the trail is that if you’re driving from Portland, you will need to cross the Bridge of the Gods. Located in Cascade Locks, this bridge crosses the Columbia River and gets you to the town of Carson. It is a toll bridge, meaning you’ll need to have six dollars in cash on hand to get there and back.
Even though the lookout is the main point of the hike, the trail leading up does not disappoint. Lush meadows, crystal clear ponds, and arching pines encompass every moment, and it makes the hike up just as enjoyable as the view.
It is recommended to do this hike in the summer, spring, or fall for good conditions. The trail is generally very quiet, as it is unlikely you will encounter many people on the trail.
The Red Mountain Lookout is a great place to witness some of the PNW’s best mountains in a single panoramic view. Both trails leading up to the final view give you a picturesque look into Washington wilderness that is merely a 2-hour drive from Portland. If you have an afternoon on your hands, and you’re looking to reconnect with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, then the Red Mountain Lookout is your calling.
