The trailhead parking area (romann)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 44.33983, -120.35921
• Elevation: 5875 feet
• Driving time from Portland: 4.25 hours

Hikes starting here

• Lookout Mountain Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
• Lookout Mountain Short Loop Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

Hikes including this location

• Lookout Mountain from Round Mountain South Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

Fees and Regulations

• No fees required
• Rough final mile to the trailhead

Driving Directions

Note: this trailhead appears on all maps as Independent Mine Trailhead. However, it is named as Mother Lode Mine Trailhead on the actual sign; thus, we're using this name in the driving directions.

From Portland, drive east on US Highway 26 through the town of Madras. Just past Madras, turn left to stay on SR 26. Reset your trip meter to zero at this junction, and continue east past Prineville.

Mile 43.8 (16 miles east of Prineville), just before milepost 35 - Fork right onto Ochoco Creek Road. There's a sign for Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie.

Mile 52.1 - You'll see the Ochoco Ranger Station on your left. There are also restrooms there. Continue straight on Ochoco Creek Road.

Mile 52.5 - Keep straight at the sign for Paulina, on what is now Road 42.

Mile 59.1 - Turn right onto gravel Road 4205 at the sign for the Independent Mine / Round Mtn Trailhead. (The Round Mountain South Trailhead, a very big pull-out on your left after 200 yards up on Rd. 4205, is for the Lookout Mountain from Round Mountain South Hike. If your car is low clearance, it's best to park here. It will make the hike only 0.9 miles longer each way.) Otherwise, follow this rough, rocky road for one mile to its end.

Mile 60.1 - The well signed Mother Lode Mine Trailhead is at the end of the road.

Contributors

• romann (creator)