Ochoco N.F.
Lookout Mountain is a high plateau with several rocky points on its western face with nice views of the western Ochoco Range. Trails ascend both from the Ochoco Ranger Station (14.6 miles rt) or from the Independent Mine (4-7 miles rt). The access trails climb fairly steeply through coniferous forest, eventually reaching the flat plateau covered with rock garden plants and sagebrush.
The Independent Mine Trailhead begins at an elevation of 5900'. I usually hike the middle trail, Trail 808A which ascends steeply for about a mile to the plateau. I then usually turn right (west) and head along an old access road about a mile or so to the North Point (6600'). One can also continue slightly southwest along Trail 808A (an old road) to connect with Trail 808, then turn left on this trail, passing a wood Snow Shelter and finally arriving at the Summit of Lookout Mt. (6926').
Taking the longer loop route of Trail 808, one immediately notices that the slope is much gentler. Proceed east from the Independent Mine Trailhead along Tr. 808, climbing gradually through conifer forestbefore reaching the top of the plateau after a mile. Proceed southward along Trail 808 for another 3 miles before reaching an old stone corral at the summit. Continuing on the shorter second portion of the loop, proceed north along Tr. 808, passing the intersection with Tr 808A and eventually passing the old Independent Mine, which once yielded cinnabar, which was then processed into mercury. The Trailhead is reached 2.8 miles after leaving the summit. The whole loop provided by Trail 808 is about 7miles long. While hiking on Lookout Mt, be on the lookout for wild horses which were released early during World War II when local ranchers realized that cavalry outfits were no longer needed to fight a war.
From Prineville, OR, drive east along US Highway 26 for about 17 miles and then turn right at a fork in the road that is signed "Ochoco Creek" and Ochoco Ranger Station. Proceed along this paved road (County Rd 23) for about 8.2 miles, watching for deer and pronghorn before reaching the ranger station. At 0.2 miles past the ranger station, turn right onto paved Forest Road #42. Drive upwards through open Ponderosa Pine forests for about 7 miles until a pass is reached. You will see a sign stating "Independent Mine". Turn right onto a dirt road, Forest Rd. #4205, passing the parking area about 100 yards up the road and continuing another 0.9 miles to the Trailhead listed above. This access road is bumpy and full of pot holes, so drive slowly. Most passenger cars should make it to the Trailhead just fine.
Partial Plant Lists For Lookout Mt: