To reach this trailhead from Hood River, follow the sign for old US Hwy 30 into town. From the west turn right on 13th Street and follow it up the hill until it merges with 12th. If you are approaching from the east, on US 30, turn left on 9th and follow it up the hill until it merges with 12th. Either way, follow 12th south out of town on what is called Tucker Road or Hwy 281. About 6 miles out of town you will cross the Hood River. Immediately after the bridge, bear right and pass Tucker Park. In about another six miles you need to bear to the right again following signs to Lost Lake. This community is referred to as Dee. As soon as you cross the railroad tracks, bear left and follow the signs to Lost Lake. This paved road becomes Forest Road 18, and you need to follow it about another 8.5 miles. At this junction, turn left and continue on Road 18 for about 4 miles. You will come to Road 16 on your left. Turn left and follow this road for about another 4 miles as you climb out of the canyon. You will then come to Road 1650 and a sign indicating Vista Ridge. Make a hard right turn onto this road and follow this road for about 3 miles to its end.

To approach this trailhead from Zig Zag, follow Hwy 26 to Zig Zag and turn north on the Lolo Pass Road (Road 18). Follow the road over the pass. Turn right onto the gravel part of this road which is not well labled. This intersection (N45 25.644, W121 47.787)is critical because if you go straight on Lolo Pass Road you will encounter the McGee Creek Crossing which requires a high ground clearance vehicle. So turn right past a trail-head with the PCT on NF-1811 (McGee Crrek Road) and continue on for several miles until it returns to pavement. Drive about another 5 miles and you will come to a labled Road 16 on your acute right (N45 30.082,W121 44.528). Make a hard right turn (N45 28.462,W121 44.416) and follow this road uphill to Road 1650. Make another hard right turn onto this road and follow it to the trailhead on left.