American Camp Lookout

Total Miles
9.1

Elevation

1,035.71 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Summer, Spring, Fall

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American Camp Lookout
9

Trail Overview

This is a super pretty drive as it descends into the canyons and back up to the mountaintops. On your way to the lookout, you will drive through the Italian Bar/Lost Dutchman Mining Camp, which is a cool place to either pay to camp or you can pay and go gold panning in the river. After leaving there, you go back up the hill and to the American Camp Lookout. This is an epic view from the base of the fire tower and a good spot to camp as well. It does get muddy and rutted so be ready to get dirty!

Photos of American Camp Lookout

American Camp Lookout
American Camp Lookout

Difficulty

Some parts of this trail are just forest roads, but the final part of the trail to the tower can be rutted out and muddy. 4x4 is recommended as well as a vehicle with clearance. There are some rocky sections as well but nothing too crazy that an average 4x4 couldn't handle.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Victor Berber
Nov 02, 2024
2024 Toyota Tacoma
Open
Normal
Rough/Deteriorated
Trail in good condition even after it had rained the night before. Couple of turkeys crossing the trail, nice view of the river before heading up the to the lookout. Lucky no cars on the way up, expect some minor pin stripes. Besides that 2WD with some decent clearance should Be able to make it as well. Gets narrow in some areas but plenty of spots to move over to make way.
Anthony Barajas
Oct 13, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Rough/Deteriorated
Thomas Loeber
Aug 04, 2024
4x4
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Bao Le
Jul 07, 2024
4x4
Open
Dusty
Fun trail, great for 1 day trip. Some narrow sections so expect to get pinstriped. Last section before reaching the top gets somewhat technical but not hard. Was able to pass with a completely stock Tundra. There’s also a few creeks where you can take a dip, especially on a hot day.

Access Description

The easiest way to get here is from Columbia. Take Italian Bar Road all the way from Columbia to the trail start. It can also be accessed from the Camp 9 Road entrance.

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