Amble across an alpine meadow bursting with resplendent wildflowers. Then gently climb to the site of a long-gone fire lookout and gaze out across a sea of evergreen-shrouded ridges and sunbaked golden hillsides dwarfed by eight glacier-capped Cascades volcanoes. Oregon’s highest summit, Mount Hood, steals the show—its icy summit a mere eight miles to the west. Banally but appropriately named, Lookout Mountain offers one of the best vantage points in northern Oregon for scanning the horizons. And via the High Prairie Trail, one of the best scenic payoffs for very little exertion.

Lookout Mountain can be reached via several trails, including from the Hood River Valley nearly 3,000 feet (915 meters) below. That route through Gumjuwac Saddle and along the Divide Trail is an exhilarating route bursting with views. It allows for access to Lookout Mountain when the higher Forest Service roads are still buried in snow. It also provides for an excellent workout and challenge with its 10 mile (16.1 km) roundtrip and 3,000 foot (915 meters) vertical trail stats. And it almost assuredly guarantees solitude.

The High Prairie Trail however delivers you to all the views in a mere 1.25 miles (2 km). Elevation gain is minimal, flowers during the summer are spectacular and chances of having company along the way are almost assuredly guaranteed. While this trail is one of the most popular within the Badger Creek Wilderness, it doesn’t compare at all in use to the crowded trails ringing nearby Mount Hood. High Prairie is also ideal for young children and hikers getting up there in total lifetime mileage.

From the trailhead two trails depart. The trail to the left is the old road that once supplied the fire lookout. The trail to the right is sometimes referred to as the horse trail. Both of these trails will get you to where you want to go—so consider making a loop out of them. The High Prairie Trail to your left will deliver you higher on the mountain than the trail to the right. Both terminate on the Divide Trail from where you turn left and make the final climb to the 6,523-foot (1,988 meter) summit. From 1911 to 1966 a lookout sat upon this panoramic spot comprised of slate ledges. It’s quite obvious why this post was chosen. Except for Hood in your face to the west, the views north, south and east are horizon-spanning. And owing to its position in Hood’s rain shadow, sunlight often dances on this peak while raindrops descend upon Hood and its emerald neighbors.

Stare south across the 29,000-acre Badger Creek Wilderness and down to Badger Lake, one of the larger bodies of water in these parts. Then scan the horizon for Oregon’s second highest summit, Mount Jefferson and the trio of high volcanoes known as the Three Sisters. Look east to the still-standing fire tower on Flag Point (which can be hiked to by continuing east on the Divide Trail). Beyond Flag Point are the golden hills of the Columbia Plateau. Now turn north and let your eyes follow the Hood River down to the Columbia River. Then look beyond to the snowy giants, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams. Mount St. Helens sits slightly to the east between them.

Sunrises are spectacular from this peak. And with a short and easy descent on a wide trail you can easily plan to be on this summit for dawn’s breaking light. Stargazing is also exceptional from this peak from where you can turn your eyes skyward with minimal light pollution.

Photo credits: Craig Romano.

[Correction, June 23, 2018: one photo in this story was removed. The image, of a lake and wildflowers, was from a different trail.]

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Craig Romano is an award-winning author of more than twenty hiking guidebooks, including Day Hiking Columbia River Gorge (Mountaineers Books).

Location: Badger Creek Wilderness, Mount Hood National Forest

Distance: 2.5 miles (4.0 kilometers) loop

Elevation gain: 550 feet (168 meters)

Difficulty: easy

Trail notes: Northwest Trail Pass or interagency pass required; kid-friendly, dog-friendly, wilderness regulations apply—practice Leave No Trace Principles

Trail highlights: Highest point in Badger Creek Wilderness, sweeping mountain views, summer wildflowers, Mount Hood rain shadow; historic fire lookout site

Contact: Barlow Ranger District, Mount Hood National Forest

Getting to the Trail

From Portland: Follow I-84 east to Exit 64 in Hood River. Then follow SR 35 south for 25.7 miles (41.0 km) and turn left onto FR 44 (Durfur Valley Road). After 3.8 miles (6.1 km) turn right onto graveled FR 4410. Then proceed for 4.7 miles (7.6 km) coming to a junction with FR 4420 and FR 3550. Turn left onto FR 4420 and immediately reach the trailhead for the High Prairie Trail on your right.