Hat Point Lookout

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR

45.4379, -116.6630 Map & Directions

Length: 0.5 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 84 feet
Highest Point: 7,008 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty: Easy

The lookout from a distance. Photo by Austin Smith.

Saved to My Backpack

This short loop hike showcases the dry Hells Canyon environment and a pretty cool fire lookout tower. Continue reading

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Hiking Hat Point Lookout

The lookout and this loop sit atop Summit Ridge, 5,600 feet above the Snake River. Dizzying views stretch for 100 miles or more showcasing the Seven Devils Range directly across the canyon in Idaho.

Hiking can be done clockwise or counter to no real benefit in either direction. Unfortunately, access to the lookout tower was discontinued years ago. The tower stands 82 feet above, with just a 7-foot-by-7-foot cab on top. In the midst of the summer heat, that cab must be unbearable. Walking the loop trail has many dry environment plants and flowers native to this harsh climate.

Hike Description Written by
Austin Smith, WTA Correspondent

Hat Point Lookout

Map & Directions

Trailhead

Co-ordinates: 45.4379, -116.6630 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

From Enterprise, Oregon, travel south 6 miles on Highway 82 towards Joseph. In Joseph, turn left on Highway 350 and go 30 miles to Imnaha, Oregon. In Imnaha, travel about 21 miles on Forest Road 2640 (Hat Point Road) to FR 315. FR 315 is about 0.5 miles past the Memaloose Guard Station and Airstrip. Turn right on FR 315 and go 1.5 miles to the day-use entrance on the right side of the road.

Please note that FR 2640 is very steep and narrow. Low-clearance vehicles, RVs and vehicles pulling trailers are advised to use caution when traveling the lower sections of this road. The road can also be slippery when wet or frozen, and is not recommended for trailers in the late fall and winter.