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Fire Lookout Journal

Stories and reflections from trip reports, work parties, and more from visits to Washington State’s last standing historical fire lookouts and lookout sites.

Lookout Point: A Hearse and a Shovel

It's not every day a visit to a fire lookout could be considered subject matter for a horror movie, but thanks to an abandoned hearse at the summit, Lookout Point earned a spot on my top 20 fire lookout adventures simply because it was so weird and creepy!

Fire Lookout Journal

Kayak Camping Ross Lake in a Smokepocalypse

Sometimes the most memorable adventures are the biggest disasters, aren't they? The story of kayak camping in a Mad Max-like apocalypse of wildfire smoke...

Fire Lookout Journal

Doe and Ike Mountains

Doe Mountain in the Okanogan Range is a former fire lookout site that makes for a sublime ridge line cross country outing. Neighboring Ike Mountain is an easy bonus.

Fire Lookout Journal

War Creek Ridge Lookout Site

The old lookout site atop War Creek Ridge west of Twisp River Road is a steep cross country outing through thick brush and ticks but the spectacular views are worth the type 2 fun!

Fire Lookout Journal

Setting Sun Mountain Lookout Site

Another great ridge line ramble to an old fire lookout site, this time to Setting Sun Mountain (7,253') 5 miles northwest of Goat Peak near Mazama.

Fire Lookout Journal

Returning to First Butte

A return visit to First Butte to check on the condition of the lookout and see the rapid deterioration of the once photogenic ground house.

Fire Lookout Journal

A Day of Fire Lookout Restoration at the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center

A day spent at the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center working on the Badger Mountain fire lookout and learning valuable skills in the art of lookout restoration, especially window glazing!

Fire Lookout Journal

Visiting the Yakama Reservation Fire Lookouts

Recently I was able to visit the Yakama Indian Reservation as part of a fire lookout work party. I met some incredible people and saw a gorgeous land that few are privileged to see.

Fire Lookout Journal

McClure Mountain Lookout Site

A wonderful ridgeline traverse to McClure Mountain, not only a prominent high point in Twisp but also a former fire lookout location.

Fire Lookout Journal

Traversing the Golden Stairway: Starvation to Old Baldy

A great ridge traverse of the Golden Stairway trail from Starvation Mountain to the Old Baldy lookout site with some of the most amazing views of the North Cascades I've ever seen!

Fire Lookout Journal

North Twentymile: A Labor of Love

This year, the beautifully restored D-6 cupola fire lookout at the summit of North Twentymile is celebrating a centennial and a dedicated group of volunteers is committed to maintaining trail access.

Fire Lookout Journal

Etiquette Tips for Visiting Staffed Fire Lookouts

Two dozen or more of our remaining historical lookouts in Washington State are still staffed by during fire season. Here is a list of staffed lookouts as well as some etiquette tips for visiting a lookout on active duty.

Fire Lookouts and Mother Nature: North Mountain and Darrington Ranger Station

Lookout Point: A Hearse and a Shovel

Etiquette Tips for Visiting Staffed Fire Lookouts

Conquering Fear: Sea Kayaking the San Juans

Going Solo

My dad, my outdoor hero!

An Off-Grid Airstream Winter

Investing in Energy Independence

Off-Grid Lessons: When Winter Says “Nope!”

Fire Lookout Journal

Lookout Point: A Hearse and a Shovel

Kayak Camping Ross Lake in a Smokepocalypse

Doe and Ike Mountains

War Creek Ridge Lookout Site

Setting Sun Mountain Lookout Site

Returning to First Butte

A Day of Fire Lookout Restoration at the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center

Visiting the Yakama Reservation Fire Lookouts

McClure Mountain Lookout Site

Traversing the Golden Stairway: Starvation to Old Baldy

North Twentymile: A Labor of Love

Etiquette Tips for Visiting Staffed Fire Lookouts

Hiking the Grand Canyon’s Rim to River and Back in a Day

Washington State Hot Springs

Biking the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail: Renslow to the Columbia

Backpacking to Heaven on the Devils Dome Loop

Completing Southern California’s 3 Peak Challenge

Discovering the Blue Mountains and Their Fire Lookouts