Access
Before you travel, check out our webcams and current weather conditions. If you visit, stop at the large kiosk display board at the junction of Forest Roads 15 and 1506. The display board has a map and provides a short history of the site. Be aware that much of the area is under snow and inaccessible during the winter months. In recent summers the site and surrounding roads have been closed due to wildfires. Check the Willamette National Forest Fire Closures Page for official closures on the area.
Willamette National Forest has more information about this area. Visitor centers are open to public in Eugene and at the nearby McKenzie River Ranger Station.
Hiking and Camping
Lookout Creek Old-Growth Trail. The entire Lookout Creek Old-Growth Trail was burned in Lookout Fire in 2023. As of 2026, the trail tread has not been restored and falling trees and branches pose elevated risks to hikers. The trail is no longer closed but is not recommended. A dated yet still relevant virtual tour of the old-growth trail provides information about the ecosystem and some of the essential characteristics of an old growth forest.
Carpenter Mountain Lookout Trail. This fire lookout, situated atop a basalt plug, offers an impressive view of the McKenzie River Valley, Wolf Rock (an exposed monolith), the Cascade Crest, Mt. Jefferson & Three Fingered Jack, the Three Sisters peaks, and Mt. Washington, plus Sand Mountain Lookout.
Camping is available at the nearby Mona Campground.
HJA Headquarters Facilities
The HJA headquarters facilities, which include apartments, offices, conference hall, and a classroom, are available for year-round use, with a capacity of up to about 80 people. The facilities are available for group functions: short courses, workshops, overnight field trips, planning sessions, retreats, etc. While priority is given to publicly-affiliated organizations, use by private organizations is also welcome. Priority during summer field season is given to research projects and education groups. The winter season is quieter: use for meetings and workshops is welcomed and encouraged. Find out more about our Facilities and Reservations and Fees.
Fishing and Collecting is Prohibited
Fishing and collection of forest products, such as flowers, moss, mushrooms, bear grass, or fir boughs, are prohibited on the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest. Many of these organisms are being studied by researchers and their removal can have serious, negative impacts. However, fishing is permitted in nearby Blue River, Blue River Reservoir, and the McKenzie River. Please check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife web page for license and regulations for sport fishing and hunting.