For those who really want a taste of solitary living, have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all in a fire lookout tower?
Friends call Bick Smith the “Viewfinder.” The nickname is well deserved, judging by the 360-degree Montana-rama visible from his cool cabin that resembles a fire lookout tower.
These unique places to stay in West Virginia are so special you'll never find other places like them anywhere!
William R. Kreutzer, a native of the Sedalia area, and the first U.S. Forest Ranger may have used Devil’s Head summit as a wildfire lookout. He served what was to become the South Platte District of the Pike National Forest between 1898 and 1905. In 1907, the newly created Forest Service planned seven principal lookouts along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains between New Mexico and Wyoming. Devil’s Head was selected to be the location of one of only four lookouts that were eventually established. Helen Dowe, the first female fire lookout in the U.S., also was stationed at Devil’s Head. She served as a fire lookout there from 1919 to 1921. Dowe was hired because there was a shortage of able-bodied men brought about by World War I. Her position drew national attention, making her a role model for women throughout the country. The original lookout was constructed in 1919 and was replaced by the current one in 1951. It took 100 men and 71 mules to dismantle the old tower and construct the new one. Devil’s Head Lookout sits on a granite outcrop at the highest point of Rampart Range at an elevation of 9,748 feet. Fires can be easily spotted up to a distance of 75 miles away. This site has been in continuous use since 1912 and is the last full-time Lookout in Colorado. Although the Lookout is only manned during the summer months, it receives several thousand visitors each year.
So, what's a Panhandle tower with 13 acres and an outhouse go for these days?
How to hike to Jack Kerouac's fire lookout tower at Desolation Peak in the North Cascades. Hint: reaching the trailhead may require a boat.
Looking for a unique camping experience this summer? Rent a lookout tower!
In the middle of a 40-acre meadow surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County, Oregon, there’s a two-storey tower some 40-feet off the ground.
Idaho has 10-12 fire lookouts available for rent that offer a unique way to experience Idaho. Camp on top of a mountain and enjoy the 360-degree view for days.
The number of manned fire lookouts in the U.S. is dwindling, as technology is increasingly used to spot and monitor wildfires. But can technology replace a human watch?
Fire Lookout Tower Replica, Whitefish, Montana, Elden Creative Architects Photogaphy: Heidi A. Long
Would you spend a night in this unique lodging experience?
A trip report and photos from an overnight hike to the Garnet Mountain Fire Lookout in Montana.
Fire lookout towers found in numerous national forests have been converted into campsites-in-the-sky.
For an overview of Giant Sequoia National Monument, hike the 5-mile round trip trail to Needles Lookout, where a watchtower built atop a formation of rocky spires provides an amazing view. A ranger is stationed in the lookout during the dry months to keep watch over the forest. You could spot a far-off fire from here, and the panoramic view from 8,254 feet is well worth the hike. An early view The trail to the Needles leads through a relaxing conifer forest. Breaks in the trees
Fire lookout towers found in numerous national forests have been converted into campsites-in-the-sky.
For an overview of Giant Sequoia National Monument, hike the 5-mile round trip trail to Needles Lookout, where a watchtower built atop a formation of rocky spires provides an amazing view. A ranger is stationed in the lookout during the dry months to keep watch over the forest. You could spot a far-off fire from here, and the panoramic view from 8,254 feet is well worth the hike. An early view The trail to the Needles leads through a relaxing conifer forest. Breaks in the trees
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"Ode to Desolation" shines light on one of the nation's last remaining fire tower lookouts.
Have you ever seen a forest fire lookout tower and imagined what an amazing little house it could be? Glenda Kaser Alm was a young girl when she visited a 75′ tall lookout tower with her dad,…
Man, I love living in Reno! The Sierra Buttes! Nicole, Will, the dogs and I hiked up to the fire lookout atop the Sierra Buttes today. It was Spectacular. We could see Lassen Peak to the north and the High Sierra to the south. Only drawback was that it was really windy on the ridges due to the approaching storm system. The fire lookout could actually see a little snow Sunday morning (August 29). We're going to drive up the Mount Rose Highway on Sunday morning to see if we can get a few pictures of some summer snow flakes! The Sierra Buttes / Gold Lake Region is a little over an hour and a half from Reno! That entire region is just gorgeous. There are lakes everywhere!
For those who really want a taste of solitary living, have you ever dreamed of getting away from it all in a fire lookout tower?
The gorgeous fire lookouts are incredibly popular, giving tremendous views of our forests and mountains.
Fire lookout towers create a beautiful outdoor space with a rustic feel. Learn more about timber frame fire towers.
A hyper minimalist remote hotel designed with a distinct Japanese sensibility and built high above the forest floor
Located 18 miles south of Bozeman, Montana, this fire lookout on Garnet Mountain is one of the last remaining towers in the region. During the 1930s, fire lookouts were constructed all over the country by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of a broader public works initiative.
Looking for a unique camping experience? Rent a fire lookout tower!
Friends call Bick Smith the “Viewfinder.” The nickname is well deserved, judging by the 360-degree Montana-rama visible from his cool cabin that resembles a fire lookout tower.
Photo 3 of 7 in A Fire Lookout Tower From the 1930's is Preserved as a Rustic Getaway. Browse inspirational photos of modern homes. From midcentury modern to prefab housing and renovations, these stylish spaces suit every taste.
Black Mountain fire lookout tower in Northern California Submitted by Robbie Sell / @robbiesell
The number of manned fire lookouts in the U.S. is dwindling, as technology is increasingly used to spot and monitor wildfires. But can technology replace a human watch?
Many places to stay have great views, but this cabin in Washington is more equipped than most places. Lookout tower cabin, here we come!
The gorgeous fire lookouts are incredibly popular, giving tremendous views of our forests and mountains.
The fire lookout on Desolation Peak. Photograph by: Basil Tsimoyianis, photo volunteer.