Winchester Mountain Lookout
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| Winchester Lookout | |
|---|---|
 Winchester Lookout (from the southwest) |
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| Elevation | 6,521 ft (1,987 m) |
| Location | Washington State, USA |
| Range | Cascades |
The historical Winchester Lookout, located in the North Cascades in the U.S. state of Washington, provides views of the Northern Picket Range, Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan and Canadian peaks. The steep snowfields usually require an ice-axe well into July. The Twin Lakes road may not be passable to the trailhead which will add 2 more miles to the hike. Volunteers from the Mount Baker Club maintain the lookout with 2 work parties per year.[1]
The lookout is open to the public for day or overnight use on a first-come first-served basis. Fires are not permitted at all.
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[edit] History
This L-4 cab fire lookout was built in 1935 and staffed until 1966. The lookout was slated for demolition when in 1982 the Mount Baker Club, led by Gary Haufle, worked out a deal with the Forest Service to restore the lookout. The Forest Service provided the materials and the club provided all of the labor.
[edit] National Register
The lookout was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 14, 1987.[2]
Winchester Mountain Lookout (added 1987 - Structure - #87001188)
- Mt. Baker Wilderness Area overlooking the north fork of Nooksack River and west fork of Silesia Creek, Sedro Wooley
- Historic Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering
- Area of Significance: Architecture, Conservation, Politics/Government
- Period of Significance: 1925-1949
- Owner: Federal
- Historic Function: Government
- Historic Sub-function: Fire Station
- Current Function: Government
- Current Sub-function: Fire Station
- Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest 15 miles northeast of Mt. Baker Whatcom County, Washington Elevation 6521'
[edit] Visiting
The lookout is generally inaccessible from early October until mid summer due to snow. If you plan to spend the night in the lookout be aware that it may be occupied when you arrive. There are areas outside the lookout to pitch a tent, or sleep under the stars with no tent. There are 3 cots in the lookout for overnighters and even more can sleep on the floor. Propane is available at the top, provided by the club.
A snowfield that lasts late into the summer is behind the lookout and provides the water. Boil all water.
- Access: Twin Lakes Road #3065 (N Fork Nooksack area), Trail #685 - Hiker Only
- Distance to lookout: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1300 feet
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Topozone Map
- David Inscho's Photo of Winchester in the winter
- Mount Baker Club photos of Winchester Lookout
- National Historic Lookout Register
