Fire Lookouts

“How about some lookout hikes in early spring to limber up the stiff joints. Most of them are short hikes with views of perfection and a great place to stay.”

“Sounds interesting. Where are you proposing? Although I've seen the book that lists fire lookouts in Oregon, I've never tried to stay in one. Have you? Even in a low snow year like this, aren't most of these locations going to difficult to access for awhile yet? Just curious.”

“The best firetower i've seen is on the Greenstone ridge of Ilse Royale.”

“There's a great fire lookout where I "limber up". It has been almost completly restored to it's original state through voulunteer efforts. A few names are selected, and you stay in the tower and work on it for a couple days or so at a time.
Gets quite a few day hikers during the peak season. Great spot anytime,accept during a fire that is.”

“what was cool about the Ilse Royale, I've never been there? Some lookouts you can pack or snowshoe in and rent them for the night. Many of the lookouts are easy to hike to and others are difficult, almost all are worth the effort. I will wait until the end of March or April to take overnighters. Some of the lookouts are accessable by vehicles, they get used the most. The lookouts get a lot of visitors in the summer so the job isn't as secluded as it used to be. During the summer there are not as many lookouts to rent. Some lookouts enjoy the twenty or so visitors a day that they get in the summer.”

“Lobo, the cool thing about the IR tower is that its the highest point on the island. You can see the Island and Canada.There are no living quarters on top but its worth the veiw. It isnt much for a "warm-up" cause its about 8+ miles inland.

The thing I like best about it is that while hiking Isle Royale you cant see far. The trails are very winding and most are bordered by thick stands of cedar,balsam fir and tag alder thickets. The trails are rough so much time is spent looking for rocks and roots which seem to grab your ankles. It seems that the only time you can see far off is when you are looking out to lk. Superior, and then its just blue-green till the water and sky blend on the Horizon. But from the tower you see the trees from the top, you see the spine of the island ( greenstone ridge) snake to the South/southwest. Its so refreshing to be able to see the contours, to see the rocky bluffs and shoreline from above. Its like being in a canyon for days then looking down on where you came from the rim. Its like finally being able to stretch your legs after 10 hrs in a car.”

“I have the book titled "How to Rent a Fire Lookout in the PNW". If someone needs some info, let me know.”

“Wow, Hyper, that sounds awsome. I've been in a couple lookouts here in Wisconsin, and one or two in IN, and WI as well. They were certainly all worth the climb up the stairs, but they were also very crowded. I had no idea that people could rent them for camping. What fun.”

“The IR sounds great, I would love to get there someday. So many trails and so little time. My family is into day hikes and let it stop there, I love them also but the treks are so much more fun. I think I shall live three lives so I can see more of the world. If anyone can tell me how to get more milage out of this body (not to old yet, 36, got plenty on the body)and more milage out of life let me know. I thought about motorcycles but I miss so much on the trail at 60mph.”

“Hey Tundra-
INFO PLEASE! A couple weeks ago I was actualy thinking about that. I didn't know if you could still do that kinda thing. What does it cost? And how do you do it?”

“Java, what area would you like to go to...close to home maybe. This book lists 43 different towers available for rent. Give me a location and I'll send you the cost and the contact phone numbers. I plan on checking one out this spring myself.”

“The book is good and I consider it a must for any northwest packer. I just hope it doesn't get to crowded. My family may plan a Christmas in one of the lookouts. The mountains are beautiful with the snow.”

“Hey... I guess I missed this trhead and it kinda died. I am intersted in anything in the Olympics, or the surounding area, the Cascade range. Just about anything on the West side of Washington state.”

“Java, you have two choices in the Olympics. Both are in the Hood Canal Ranger District.First one is the Hamma Hamma cabin, which rents for $35 a night and is open year round. looks like a little lodge more than anything.

Next is the Interrorem cabin. $25 a night. Built in 1907, this place used to be a honeymoon cabin! Classic log cabin style with a propane heater. Call (360) 877-5254 for reservations and more info.”

“Thanks alot... I am gonna call them to check into it.”

“Chit, why pay money!
The lookout with the best view is Winchester Mountain near Mt. Baker. Unbelievable view and no charge...it is maintained by a hiking club and you can stay for free or mail in a donation.”

“You got any info on that? A phone number or something?”

“Its maintained by the Mt Baker Hiking club out of Bellingham. Nice people, but a very older hiking group...oldest member is in her eighties. It is a cool little lookout and there was a maintenance party late last summer, but you will not find the place until July. Spock...no more secrets unveiled...ok.”

“Tundra!! Me want secrets!”

“Java, that fire lookout is very near to where I live..like a twenty minute drive and an hour hike. This place is loaded with goodies to see and do. But, come springtime...I want some of these places to myself. Not to be selfish, but I trek into the hills to get away.”

“So can't I use them in winter time and you can use them in summer?”

“Maybe you can get shared visitation rights, tundra can have one weekend, java the next and no fighting over the holidays. lol”

“Java, if you can find it and dig it out cause of the snow, go ahead. I planned on going back up there in June. Maybe you want to come along?”

“I dunno... Do I have to be blindfolded so I don't know where it is at? Yeah, I would love to come along. But I understand what you people mean by not wanting to give all the secrets away, there are somethings that you just have to figure out for yourself...”

“Java, I'll show you the lookout and you don't have to wear a blindfold. You just have to carry up the beer and bring the bottles back down, haha. No, I'm kidding. I'll show you the area. My hiking bud up in Canada is gonna show me one of his hideaways this weekend, and I'm stoked. Now I can get more Cuban cigars...legally this time!”

“Every one needs their own little "honey hole", a place to call their own.”

“tundra, I have a book on the PNW lookouts. I haven't tried to rent one yet, but the one you are mentioning to javaboy sounds interesting. June sounds great! So how many people can fit in there at one time, lol :{}”

“that's what they asked annabelle chong!”

“LH, the cabin at the lookout can sleep 6-8 people at least. I'm gonna go up there in early June and dig it out. You're welcome to come along.”

“Javaboy, do Winchester in early spring when steep snow still covers the trail and makes it impossible for hikers without an ice axe. Take an ice axe and crampons if you have them...then go climb Mt. Larrabee for an even more mind-boggling view (easy class 2) nearly on par with the view from Sahale Mtn.”

“It is nice to know that you have shelter when you reach your destination, it is a good idea to call someone who knows the condition of the lookout and get an update. The PNW book tells you who to contact. Believe me, it sucks to arrive without a tent and find the lookout closed up.”

“Hey spock-

That sounds like a good idea, and I have all the stuff, (snow shoes, ice ax...) so it's not a big issue. How early can I do it?”

“Not only lookouts but currently unused backcountry guard stations can also be rented. Some are cabins with bunks and stoves deep in Wilderness areas.


http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/permits/cabinrentals.htm”

“tundra, digging out? Huh, I think I'm busy that month, lol. I was just kidding about intruding on your good thing. That was kind of you to offer.”

“Javaboy, I'm not sure if/when it is locked up. With this year's low snowfall, I would *guess* April or May would be nice. I went in June a couple years ago...midweek...and had it all to myself. I wouldn't ever expect to be alone on a weekend.”