Trailhead parking area (romann)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 44.339342, -120.358326
• 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)

Fees and Regulations

• No signs requiring NW Forest Pass, but need to check with Ochoco Ranger Station

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 Rd. There's a sign for Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie.

Mile 52.1 - you'll see Ochoco Ranger Station on your left. There's also restrooms there. Continue straight on Ochoco Creek Rd.

Mile 52.5 - keep straight @ the sign for Paulina, on what is now Rd 42.

Mile 59.1 - turn right onto gravel Rd. 4205 @ the sign for Independent Mine / Round Mtn Trailhead (R.M. trailhead, very big pull-out on your left after 200 yards up on Rd. 4205, is for Lookout Mountain Long Loop Hike. If your car is low-clearance, it's best to park here, it will make the hike only 0.9 mile longer each way. Otherwise, follow this rough, rocky road for 1 mile to its end.

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