What Is the Sourdough Mountain Lookout?
This is one of the earliest fire lookouts in America!
What Makes It Historical?
The first lookout on Sourdough Mountain was built by homesteader, Glee Davis, in 1917, hauling hand-split sides and shakes all the way up here on horseback! It was used by the U.S. Forest Service until 1933 when the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) replaced it with the current structure, today one of only three surviving lookouts from this time period in the North Cascades! It was where the “Bush” Osborne Firefinder was first tested, using view finders and a topographic map to pinpoint where in a sprawling mountain range a fire was erupting! During World War II, the fire lookout also doubled as a lookout for enemy aircraft!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer at North Cascades National Park!
- Donate to North Cascades National Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
The lookout is at the summit of Sourdough Mountain, accessible by both the Sourdough Mountain Trail and the Pierce Mountain Trail!
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
I recommend going in August when the huckleberries are ripe!
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