Visit the Forest

The Carpenter Mountain Lookout trail affords grand views. Photo by Lina DiGregorio

Access

COVID19 protocols:

Andrews Forest Headquarters facilities are currently open with limited staffing.  Masks are required inside public buildings whenever county COVID-19 levels are high and signs are posted. 

Winter Conditions:

Be aware that much of the Andrews Forest is under snow and inaccessible during the winter months. Before you travel, check out the webcams and current weather conditions. If you visit, stop at the large display board at the junction of Forest Roads 15 and 1506. The display has a map of the Andrews Forest and provides a short history of the site.

Hiking

The Lookout Creek Old-Growth Trail, is a 3.5 mile hike through classic old-growth forest along Lookout Creek.  The Lookout Creek Old Growth brochure provides natural history information about the forest seen from the trail.

The Carpenter Mountain Lookout Trail is a one-mile climb to the lookout for grand views. 

Camping

Camping is available at the nearby Mona Campground.

Headquarters Facilities

The Andrews Forest's 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 a variety of 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.

Virtual Visit

If you can’t travel to the forest, check out the virtual tour of the old-growth trail to learn about the ecosystem and some of the essential characteristics of an old growth forest.     

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.

More Information

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.

If you would like more information or to arrange a tour of the Andrews Forest, please contact the Andrews Forest Director.