Waldo Mountain Lookout

To reach the Waldo Mountain Lookout, use the Waldo Mountain Trail #3592 from Salmon Creek. It is a long, fairly steep hike through forested areas and burned areas with a plethora of outlooks. Near the top it levels out through smaller sub-alpine type trees and bear grass, rewarding the hiker at the top with sweeping wilderness and lake vistas to the east. This trail is difficult to follow at the end due to wildfire burning the trail. From the top, the Three Sisters stand out sharply to the northeast, and a myriad of smaller lakes are visible in the watersheds to the north and south.

In its time, the lookout was an especially valuable observation post during the frequent lightning storms along the Crest. Though built in the 1950s, it was outfitted and furnished with original furniture and cabinetry, making it very authentic as well as comfortable.

If you choose to hike from North Waldo Campground, be very sure you have each trail number and junction clearly in mind, as it requires several judgment turns and some rather extreme changes in direction. It can be very confusing. In particular, if you continue along the western edge of the lake too far, past the outlet of the North Fork, you've missed your turn. Use a Forest trail map and observe the numbers closely. It can be done, in and out, in a day, but it will take all day.

• Built: 1957, Flat Roof
• Trail: Waldo Mountain Trail #3592 from Salmon Creek; access from North Waldo Campground is difficult because of length and changes in elevation
• Staffing: currently unstaffed and no longer a functioning lookout