Dutchman Butte Lookout was built in 1936 as a 12' wooden live-in tower. In 1970 it was replaced with an unconventional 15' tall, 3-legged steel tower with live-in cab. It may still be staffed during the summer, but it is also equipped with an infrared camera. In March 2000 it was placed on the National Historic Lookout Register.
The best route to the lookout is from Glendale. Take Cow Creek Rd to West Fork Rd. You will be driving through some of the worst area of the 2013 Douglas Complex fire including two train trestles that had to be repaired. These roads are good and paved all the way. Turn off the West Fork Rd onto graveled BLM Slotted Pen Rd. These six miles are steep in spots and there are some water bars near the top, so a high-clearance rig is recommended. There is a gated road for the last 500’ to the tower. Parking and turning around is tough at the gate, so we recommend you park at N42 51.892, W123 39.675 and walk the short distance.
The area around the tower has been cleared and burned off. We think it was to protect the tower from the Douglas Complex Fire that was headed in its direction. There is also a chain link fence around the tower so it is not accessible.
The cache is hidden where it is visible from the tower. It is a regular size container with a log and some trade items. Please rehide well and securely so it doesn’t slide down the steep bank! The terrain rating is for the hike up the hill, not for accessing the cache. You can stand on a flat spot and reach it.
Elevation is only 3900’, but the road may get very muddy when it’s raining and snowing.