Lookout Creek Trail

Andrews State Experimental Forest
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Distance: Six to seven miles
Elevation Gain: Substantial, many ups and downs
Season:  Late spring, summer, early fall
Maps:  Contact the McKenzie River Ranger District of Willamette National Forest, 541-822-3381

About the Hike

One of the best ancient forest hikes in the Cascades, the Lookout Creek trail is within the Andrews Experimental Forest where scientists from Oregon State University do research. The trail first descends into some of the most stunning old-growth forest along the trail. Overall, the trail has a lot of ups and downs, and a few tricky stream crossings but the difficulty is worth it for the amazing diversity and beauty of this forest in all seasons. The whole trail is about 3.5 miles, and you have to either return the way you came or walk about 3 miles on road 1506 back to the car (it’s all downhill). Moderate to difficult, 6.5 miles round trip.

The Dirt

Though the old-growth forest in the Andrews Experimental Forest has been immortalized in the book “The Hidden Forest” by Jon R. Luoma, some “research” logging does take place here. The Blue River Landscape Management Project has included several logging sales in this forest, with the aim of learning about how the forest responds to disturbance. With hundreds of thousands of acres of existing clear cuts in Oregon, it would seem there are plenty of other places to "study" the effects of logging.  Unfortunately, the recent Blue River Face Timber Sale included logging many old-growth trees, and the sad results can be seen along Road 1508 near Lookout Creek.

Getting There

From Eugene, drive Highway 126 east up the McKenzie River. About 44 miles past Springfield, turn left onto Road 15 at a sign for Blue River Reservoir. Follow the paved road for 4.3 miles. Veer right opposite a boat launch and follow Lookout Creek Road 1506 for 2 miles on pavement and then 5 miles on gravel to the intersection with Road 350. Stay right for another ¼ mile to a wide spot in the road. The trailhead is a bit hard to see on the right.