Sand Mountain Lookout
Elevation: 5459 ft.
Built: L-4 "Grange Hall" style gable-roof replica
Trail: ¼ mile, easy.
Staffing: currently staffed seasonally by McKenzie River Ranger District and Sand Mountain Society volunteers
Situated in the High Cascades between the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness and the Mt. Washington Wilderness, this lookout replica watches over a Geological Special Interest Area. It is a unique formation of a series of cinder cones aligned along a fault. This unusual volcanic phenomenon can be easily viewed from the summit.
Also visible are the Black Sand Flats and the Sand Mountain Burn area. Mount Washington rises sharply and spectacularly over Big Lake directly to the east, and the Three Sisters peaks and the accompanying wilderness are vividly detailed to the southeast. Carpenter Mountain Lookout and Coffin Mountain Lookout are easily viewed with binoculars.
Sand Mountain is an easily disturbed volcanic environment, with unique dwarf flora and fauna. Please follow the trail and respect the fragility of the terrain. This area is unique, beautiful, and a fascinating example of how volcanic activity shapes an area.
Due to the sandy soils and areas laden with lava rock, the section of the historic Santiam Wagon Road through the Sand Mountain area was one of the most challenging parts of the journey for early travelers.
Campground Restrictions
Points of Interest
Location |
---|
Carpenter Mountain Lookout |
Indian Ridge Lookout |
Sahalie and Koosah Falls |
Sand Mountain Lookout |
Silver Creek Boat Landing Watchable Wildlife |
Taylor Landing Day Use Area |
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gauge | Streamflow |
---|---|
Shitike Creek Near Warm Springs
USGS 14093000 |
180 cfs |
North Santiam River At Mehama
USGS 14183000 |
3,420 cfs |
No Santiam R Blw Boulder Crk
USGS 14178000 |
1,170 cfs |
North Santiam River At Niagara
USGS 14181500 |
1,600 cfs |
Breitenbush R Abv French Cr Nr Detroit
USGS 14179000 |
745 cfs |
Deschutes River Near Madras
USGS 14092500 |
4,140 cfs |
Shitike Cr
USGS 14092750 |
116 cfs |