Highlights
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Season: Summer through fall, access dependent on snow
Notes: This hike is featured in “Oregon’s Ancient Forests: A hiking guide” – Get the book here!
Read more about this area in Marina Richie’s blog post here.
About this Hike
Lookout Mountain lies at the heart of a vast wild landscape that conservationists have long sought to protect, including current efforts to designate Brush Creek and Canyon Creek as Wild & Scenic Rivers under the River Democracy Act.
Follow the Independent Mine Trail out of the parking lot to the left and hike through a forest of Douglas-fir and old-growth ponderosa pine, adding tree diversity and wildflowers as you ascend. After 1.5 miles, openings become more common, with views to the north and east; and in 2 miles, views to the northwest showcase the Cascade peaks. The trail descends toward Brush Creek, then climbs another mile and half to the summit, with some steep stretches to tackle on your way up. The last half mile is right along Lookout Mountain’s ridgetop through a field of sagebrush and wildflowers, with gnarled ancient juniper scattered about. On a clear day, the summit offers views of the entire Cascade Range, from Mount Shasta in California to Mount Rainier in Washington.
To complete the loop, descend from the ridgeline to the northeast, being careful to stay on Lookout Mountain Trail 808 to the right, and not following Trail 804 to the northwest. At about a half mile into the descent, take a left onto Lookout Mountain Trail 804 at a junction with Trail 808A. Now the trail becomes shadier as you hike through dense pockets of old-growth trees and traverse the lush headwater springs of Canyon Creek where moisture-loving wildflowers thrive. About 3 miles into the descent, you’ll see the remains of Independent Mine, an old cinnabar mine and an interesting exploration, to the right of the trail. The parking lot is just another half mile from the mine.
Getting There
From Bend, head north on US Highway 97 toward Redmond for about 15 miles. In Redmond, turn right to follow Oregon Route 126 east for about 17 miles toward Prineville. In Prineville, OR 126 becomes NW 3rd Street and US 26E. Continue on US 26E for about 13 miles. Turn right onto County Road 123 and go about 7.5 miles. Stay right at the junction of Forest Roads 22 and 42, and continue on FR 42 for 7 miles. Turn right on FR 4205, pass the Round Mountain Trailhead, and continue on this rough (but drivable) road until it ends in about 1.5 miles. The trailhead for Independent Mine Trail 808 is on the far left out of the parking area at the end of the road.
Take Action
Oregon Wild has worked to protect the intact roadless wild lands here for decades. The River Democracy Act proposal would protect the headwater streams of Brush and Canyon Creek as Wild & Scenic Rivers. Take action to support this bill here.
