Built in 1927, Dutchman Peak
Lookout is one of the very few "cupola style' fire
lookouts left in the Pacific Northwest. Cupola lookouts had living
quarters below and a "fire-finder" room in the little cupola above.
Dutchman Peak Lookout is listed in the National Historic Register
and has been restored to its original appearance. It is also still
used as a fire lookout and is staffed in the summertime.
During World War II Dutchman Peak was used by the Aircraft Warning
Service. A separate cabin housed a 2-person team of observers who
endured the snow and winter winds a top the peak searching
the sky for enemy aircraft.
There is a gate about 1/2 mile from
the lookout, but it should be open most weekends before the snow
flies. If it is closed the walk is not too bad. The road is narrow
and rocky, but passable by most high clearance vehicles. There is
plenty of space at the lookout to park and turn
around.
The view from the lookout is
incredible! A full 360 degree view including Mt Shasta and Mt
McLoughlin. Be sure and take your camera!!
You are looking for a nice metal
container that is hidden between a rock and a mountain laurel
bush/tree.
Be sure and record the benchmark
placed in rock at the corner of the lookout too.
Elevation is 7418'.