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Fremont-Winema National Forest › Silver Lake Ranger District › Oregon
› Lake County
› Silver Lake
› Hager Mountain Lookout
› Campsite #1
Campsite #1 at Hager Mountain Lookout, OR
$40
Cabin Site #1
| Walk-In | 4 people |
| 3 | good |
5/13
11/15
Campsite #1 Features: Walk-In access, Back-In parking, Picnic Table, Cabin Site, Pets Allowed
Campsite Reviews (25)
5.0 out of 5
| 5 star | | 72% |
| 4 star | | 20% |
| 3 star | | 8% |
| 2 star | | 0% |
| 1 star | | 0% |
@NoahH8136645 · Camped on Jan 1, 2025 at Campsite #1
The hike to the lookout in winter will challenge you! Be prepared with snowshoes/poles and it's a good idea to have a mapping app to assist you to stay in trail (especially important as you get closer/above the treeline or end up in white out/no visibility)! The lookout was such a welcomed refuge after getting through the blizzard conditions! Warmed rapidly with the wood stove, windows held, even through some intense wind! Will be back, really great experience.
@NicholeO836790 · Camped on Dec 27, 2024 at Campsite #1
The high wind advisory was really scary. We didnt sleep at all two nights. The dogs and ourselves had major anxiety and thought the windows were gonna break. There is a mouse problem, they got into food we left out briefly during the day. I think I lost a vitamin case up there (black that says SAT on the side), if you find it please let me know, Ill pay you to ship it to me! (Insta: @itsnicholemarie).
@SarahW4027937 · Camped on Dec 13, 2024 at Campsite #1
We have been to this lookout twice now and both times the hike got a little harrowing towards to top (VERY windy). Be sure to check the weather forecast and plan to head out on trail earlier in the day! The lookout is well stocked with supplies and we were very cozy
@KenR7711474 · Camped on Nov 29, 2024 at Campsite #1
Challenging to get to but worth the effort.
@KaylaS7171066 · Camped on Nov 25, 2024 at Campsite #1
We went Thanksgiving week this year. The trail had a lot of snow all the way down at the trailheads, and it didn't look like anyone had visited the cabin for a bit before us, so we had to break trail which took us (in pretty good shape) a difficult 4 hours to snowshoe 3.5 miles through inclement weather. WORTH IT THOUGH! The propane oven doesn't work but stovetop does, and one propane lantern wasn't working so bring extra lighting! Also, if you're splitting wood at the wood shed, do the next folks a favor by chopping a little extra split wood and leaving it up in the cabin when you depart! I think it's good etiquette anyway :) Cheers!
@BrandonW160403 · Camped on Apr 9, 2024 at Campsite #1
3rd time at Hager mountain.absolutely amazing
@PaulS8803282 · Camped on Feb 13, 2024 at Campsite #1
Great place to stay! Hike in had 4 trees to crawl under or go over, but they were doable. Check the forecast for snow. You may want snowshoes. It's a long, steep hike to the lookout. This is our third trip and we love it!
@RegisK9620075 · Camped on May 7, 2023 at Campsite #1
The facility is pretty good, but there are a couple of deficiencies. There are no chairs. The propane lantern above the sink could not be turned off. There is no snow shovel, a necessity in winter. Also, ther is no poker or shovel for the wood stove.
@JonathanL43668 · Camped on Apr 28, 2023 at Campsite #1
A very challenging hike if you are not in shape, and still challenging if you are! We were there April 28-30Th and there was still tons of snow - we needed to use snow shoes about 2 miles up for about a mile (however, the snow was quickly melting as of Sunday afternoon). The Lookout was very clean and left in good shape, i.e., firewood and kindling, filled up and someone even left a ready-to-burn fire in the woodstove, as well as melted water labeled āClean, but unfilteredā in a big pot (We followed suit, and did the same before we left). There was a shovel and an ax which we were also grateful to have. Lots of mouse traps but not so much mouse poop, as previously mentioned, and we did not hear any of scuffling around, nor did we catch any while there. There were all kinds of kitchen utensils, pots, and pans, plates and cups etc., tinfoil, and even food and spices, s & p available, so no need to lug these items up the hill unless you are concerned you may not make it - just pack smart, and prepare for the worst just in case! We also appreciated finding some art supplies and lots of games to choose from. Items that you could bring up to donate; art paper, watercolors, baby wipes, clean sponges, and or a dish towel. Luckily, we had snow to melt and drink through our filter bottle, but make sure you bring enough water at this point! Overall, this place is magic and we enjoyed our time there thoroughly!!
@AnnaH8078719 · Camped on Feb 17, 2023 at Campsite #1
Beautiful destination, not an easy 4 mi hike up with 2000 elevation gain. Combine it with Summer lake hot spring!
@Gabrielle44268 · Camped on Jan 11, 2023 at Campsite #1
Although the trail is difficult, and sometimes the snow conditions were very icy or windswept, the trail overall is pretty well marked with blue diamonds, orange poles & signs. Be sure to prepare for HIGH WINDS and low visibility on stormy days in the final 1.5 miles or so when you are on an exposed ridge and then out of the trees approaching the lookout. We found it helpful to travel with an avalanche shovel since we had to dig out the woodshed, outhouse, and steps up to the lookout & its door on our arrival. (There are a shovel & other tools in the woodshed and in a drawer in the lookout.)
Note: Be ready to SPLIT & CHOP your own wood and kindling. The wood in the woodshed isn't chopped.
The lookout wasn't as clean this time as it was last year when we visited: disappointed that previous parties had left trash (broken takeout containers, bags), food (2 cans of beets and more), multiple empty glass jars, multiple tubes of old sunblock, multiple containers of cooking oil, did not sweep up the floor, did not wipe off stove. Also disappointed that someone dragged in unchopped large pieces of wood to the lookout and left those inside- when a sign specifically says to NOT CHOP WOOD in / on the lookout. We cleaned a lot before leaving to break this trend & for good karma. :) NO ONE WANTS YOUR FOOD- WHICH IS JUST TRASH TO THE NEXT PARTY. ALSO YOUR TRASH IS IN FACT TRASH & YOU SHOULD TAKE IT HOME WITH YOU!
MICE!!! Be ready for MICE!!!! We used the mousetraps to kill 4 mice: leaving food & trash just encourages mice. This lookout deserves better care since it's in a wonderful spot. The location is VERY windy, bring your earplugs. There are wonderful views on a clear day and you'll enjoy peaceful solitude. On our previous visits we explored the surrounding zone and had a lot of fun. This time we spent most of our time indoors due to a fierce storm and 40+mph winds, but were cozy and warm. We will return despite the mice since this is a unique wintertime opportunity!
Note: Be ready to SPLIT & CHOP your own wood and kindling. The wood in the woodshed isn't chopped.
The lookout wasn't as clean this time as it was last year when we visited: disappointed that previous parties had left trash (broken takeout containers, bags), food (2 cans of beets and more), multiple empty glass jars, multiple tubes of old sunblock, multiple containers of cooking oil, did not sweep up the floor, did not wipe off stove. Also disappointed that someone dragged in unchopped large pieces of wood to the lookout and left those inside- when a sign specifically says to NOT CHOP WOOD in / on the lookout. We cleaned a lot before leaving to break this trend & for good karma. :) NO ONE WANTS YOUR FOOD- WHICH IS JUST TRASH TO THE NEXT PARTY. ALSO YOUR TRASH IS IN FACT TRASH & YOU SHOULD TAKE IT HOME WITH YOU!
MICE!!! Be ready for MICE!!!! We used the mousetraps to kill 4 mice: leaving food & trash just encourages mice. This lookout deserves better care since it's in a wonderful spot. The location is VERY windy, bring your earplugs. There are wonderful views on a clear day and you'll enjoy peaceful solitude. On our previous visits we explored the surrounding zone and had a lot of fun. This time we spent most of our time indoors due to a fierce storm and 40+mph winds, but were cozy and warm. We will return despite the mice since this is a unique wintertime opportunity!
@KatiB4199460 · Camped on Dec 28, 2022 at Campsite #1
This was my and my husband's 4th trip up to Hager since 2018 and had our friends join us. We had never seen mice or as much of their feces as there was on this visit. It was pretty gross, all over the stove, table/counter tops, window sills, mattresses. We flipped the mattresses to use them and flipped them back when we left. According to the log up there the occupants before us caught 3 mice. We didn't see any mouse activity until our last night and ended up catching 2 of them. The Osborn mounting table in the middle seemed to be a safe island for food, as well as hanging food/garbage. Really tough snow-shoe hike up breaking trail the entire way, took my husband and I a little over 5 hours to get to cabin with arctic-like conditions at the top. We lost the trail about .25-.3 mile in (right at the cutout between the logs and before you cross FS road) because the new trail marker they put up indicating a right turn was gone. Tree markers in the last .25 mile are almost impossible to see and you rely mainly on the orange poles which aren't placed very frequently and are often covered in snow/ice. No problems with propane or firewood availability, bring your own TP. The previous reviewer mentioned they had trouble with the oven's pilot light; when following the directions to push the knob in for 10 seconds then light, we had the same issue - what worked was pushing the knob in for 30 seconds, pilot light stayed lit and oven worked. Also had to a replace a lantern mantel. Snow had also blown into the lookout through the south window, there were towels stuffed in the window frame and snow piled up and on the table. Bring your own TP as there was none left. I highly recommend someone bringing disinfectant wipes, I would had I known how bad the mouse poop was. Someone may want to pack up a couple extra replacement mantels as well. Love this lookout but it needs more care, this is the worst condition we've seen it in since before they fixed the leaking windows in 2019.
@KevinC5577695 · Camped on Nov 26, 2022 at Campsite #1
Could not get the oven to work. Pilot light would light then go out again immediately, no matter what I tried.
@MichaelH990269 · Camped on Dec 22, 2021 at Campsite #1
We're so glad we packed light! We were the first visitors to the lookout in ten days and ended up breaking trail the entire way up through a foot plus of fresh snow (at the bottom) and far more at the top. The climb took us 3 hours and 40 mins, with minimal breaks due to the cold -- our 9 year dog was a real trouper. Snowshoes or skis are a must in mid-winter, and if you live at sea level like we do, don't underestimate the impact the elevation will have on your energy level/mood.
A quick note re: snow piling up in the woodshed and outhouse. We noticed that the visitors after us speculated in their review that the doors had possibly been left open. We discovered on our second day at the lookout that strong winds at the summit actually blow the snow inside both buildings -- through the slats in the woodshed and through the air vent in the outhouse, so in a storm you'll have to regularly clear them out. FYI there's a good shovel inside the woodshed that *might* be hidden by a drift of snow when you get there -- it'll make those tasks way easier. Anyhow, we had a memorable & cozy time and hopefully when we return we'll actually catch some views! A real gem of a spot.
One last note -- I believe that FR 28 gets plowed fairly regularly, but it didn't get plowed during our two-night stay, so we ended up driving out in ten inches of new snow. Just keep that in mind if you have a low-clearance vehicle.
A quick note re: snow piling up in the woodshed and outhouse. We noticed that the visitors after us speculated in their review that the doors had possibly been left open. We discovered on our second day at the lookout that strong winds at the summit actually blow the snow inside both buildings -- through the slats in the woodshed and through the air vent in the outhouse, so in a storm you'll have to regularly clear them out. FYI there's a good shovel inside the woodshed that *might* be hidden by a drift of snow when you get there -- it'll make those tasks way easier. Anyhow, we had a memorable & cozy time and hopefully when we return we'll actually catch some views! A real gem of a spot.
One last note -- I believe that FR 28 gets plowed fairly regularly, but it didn't get plowed during our two-night stay, so we ended up driving out in ten inches of new snow. Just keep that in mind if you have a low-clearance vehicle.
@MichaelH343 · Camped on Dec 22, 2021 at Campsite #1
We're so glad we packed light! We were the first visitors to the lookout in ten days and ended up breaking trail the entire way up through a foot plus of fresh snow (at the bottom) and far more at the top. The climb took us 3 hours and 40 mins, with minimal breaks due to the cold -- our 9 year dog was a real trouper. Snowshoes or skis are a must in mid-winter, and if you live at sea level like we do, don't underestimate the impact the elevation will have on your energy level/mood.
A quick note re: snow piling up in the woodshed and outhouse. We noticed that the visitors after us speculated in their review that the doors had possibly been left open. We discovered on our second day at the lookout that strong winds at the summit actually blow the snow inside both buildings -- through the slats in the woodshed and through the air vent in the outhouse, so in a storm you'll have to regularly clear them out. FYI there's a good shovel inside the woodshed that *might* be hidden by a drift of snow when you get there -- it'll make those tasks way easier. Anyhow, we had a memorable & cozy time and hopefully when we return we'll actually catch some views! A real gem of a spot.
One last note -- I believe that FR 28 gets plowed fairly regularly, but it didn't get plowed during our two-night stay, so we ended up driving out in ten inches of new snow. Just keep that in mind if you have a low-clearance vehicle.
A quick note re: snow piling up in the woodshed and outhouse. We noticed that the visitors after us speculated in their review that the doors had possibly been left open. We discovered on our second day at the lookout that strong winds at the summit actually blow the snow inside both buildings -- through the slats in the woodshed and through the air vent in the outhouse, so in a storm you'll have to regularly clear them out. FYI there's a good shovel inside the woodshed that *might* be hidden by a drift of snow when you get there -- it'll make those tasks way easier. Anyhow, we had a memorable & cozy time and hopefully when we return we'll actually catch some views! A real gem of a spot.
One last note -- I believe that FR 28 gets plowed fairly regularly, but it didn't get plowed during our two-night stay, so we ended up driving out in ten inches of new snow. Just keep that in mind if you have a low-clearance vehicle.
@TylerP1624363 · Camped on Apr 21, 2021 at Campsite #1
Lots of games, puzzles and cookware/utensils on site. Beautiful views. Very rural. An awesome set up. This was my first fire lookout and Iām very impressed/hyped for my next trip! BRING LOTS OF WATER!
@TylerP679 · Camped on Apr 21, 2021 at Campsite #1
Lots of games, puzzles and cookware/utensils on site. Beautiful views. Very rural. An awesome set up. This was my first fire lookout and Iām very impressed/hyped for my next trip! BRING LOTS OF WATER!
@GabrielleO588 · Camped on Mar 24, 2021 at Campsite #1
Beautiful and remote location with great views! Parking pull-off was easy to find since road was snow-free. Itās about 9 miles from Silver Lake, maybe 30 minutes at most in good weather and with a clear dry road. Road is paved all the way there. Trail was extremely well-marked with blazes, poles and 2 wooden signs. Intermittent patches of snow in 3rd mile before all snow to lookout in final mile (our trip was late March.) Lookout has more supplies than listed online: some kitchenware, batteries, tools, matches, dish washing supplies and cleaning supplies. There is a sink that drains water so dealing with your gray water is easy. There are 2 propane lights which work although we did have to read the instructions carefully on how to light them. There were also 2 battery-powered lanterns. We got good cell phone service. We phoned ranger station in advance and they were helpful. Winds are very strong at lookout. 3 bunks for sleeping but not much seating, no chairs. Many books and games left at the lookout- unfortunately some trash and leftover food from prior visitors too. (No one wants your food- except the mice. We packed out all the trash and old food we could carry.) We very much enjoyed our visit.
@KimberlyH156 · Camped on Mar 9, 2020 at Campsite #1
Let me start off by saying don't miss a chance to eat at Cowboy Dinner Tree while you're in the area. We stayed at a cabin there the night before we headed up Hager. It was amazing. It's a good thing I had been in the gym prepping for this. I don't think we used the official trail but more of a forest service road. We followed our phones directions up until the truck couldn't safely make it any farther and then walked about 2-2.5 miles up. The path/road was easy to follow although there were no markers. It was grueling the last mile and we stopped frequently to catch our breath. When we got there the party before us hadn't left any chopped would or kindling. So we rested a bit and then chopped would and hauled it up. The fire was lovely and kept the lookout more than toasty, we actually slept with the window open. A couple suggestions, take a sheet to cover the mattress, they're old and sketchy but totally usable. Bring slippers for inside the cabin otherwise you'll be in a constant state of drying your socks off because of snow that gets tracked in. Bring a good camera or a newer phone with a quality camera. The views are worth every bit of the struggle. This is a trip that will set your soul on fire and I can't overstate how gorgeous the views are. The sky was clear at night and we could see every single star. Epic.
@KimberlyH57940 · Camped on Mar 9, 2020 at Campsite #1
Let me start off by saying don't miss a chance to eat at Cowboy Dinner Tree while you're in the area. We stayed at a cabin there the night before we headed up Hager. It was amazing. It's a good thing I had been in the gym prepping for this. I don't think we used the official trail but more of a forest service road. We followed our phones directions up until the truck couldn't safely make it any farther and then walked about 2-2.5 miles up. The path/road was easy to follow although there were no markers. It was grueling the last mile and we stopped frequently to catch our breath. When we got there the party before us hadn't left any chopped would or kindling. So we rested a bit and then chopped would and hauled it up. The fire was lovely and kept the lookout more than toasty, we actually slept with the window open. A couple suggestions, take a sheet to cover the mattress, they're old and sketchy but totally usable. Bring slippers for inside the cabin otherwise you'll be in a constant state of drying your socks off because of snow that gets tracked in. Bring a good camera or a newer phone with a quality camera. The views are worth every bit of the struggle. This is a trip that will set your soul on fire and I can't overstate how gorgeous the views are. The sky was clear at night and we could see every single star. Epic.
@biancap773 · Camped on Feb 13, 2020 at Campsite #1
Excellent. There is a bit of a mice issue but it was otherwise amazing as always. I'd recommend sterilizing anything as there are mice droppings and they did get into our food overnight. We had snow from just after the trail head to the lookout, but less than in a previous visit. I highly recommend making a stop at the Cowboy Dinner Tree.
There are plenty of games and things to keep you busy!
There are plenty of games and things to keep you busy!
@KathrynG721 · Camped on Jan 18, 2020 at Campsite #1
What a great experience! Last mile was difficult and had to break trail through deep snow. Thank you for keeping this available for the public to rent!
@SuzanneB755 · Camped on Jan 10, 2020 at Campsite #1
We enjoy our annual trip to Hager and appreciate the experience ! Very clean and tidy !
@BraddB823 · Camped on Jan 7, 2020 at Campsite #1
Second Lookout adventure for me. Absolutely love it every time. There always seems to be a little lack of information going into it but that is part of the adventure. Called Rangers prior to trip and they were very pleasant and helpful on the phone. I really wouldn't change anything and hope you/they don't. It's suppose to be an adventure, not a Sunday stroll or 5 star hotel.
Thx, Bradd
Thx, Bradd
@KatiB662 · Camped on Nov 17, 2019 at Campsite #1
Husband and I spent 2 nights at Hager, this was our second trip up. We were blessed with beautiful weather (as opposed to the 50mph wind gusts during our Nov ā17 trip). Windows have either been replaced or resealed since our first stay as there wasnāt cold air leaking in from the windows this time - much appreciated. No propane issues, plenty of firewood. Certainly lots of dog hair on mattresses, even the top bunk mattress somehow. Enjoyed our stay, will come back for a 3rd trip in the future. Thank you USFS for offering your lookouts in the off season!
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