Point Prominence Lookout Traditional Cache
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(regular)
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This is the 13th in my series of hides near fire lookout towers.
Point Prominence, 6745', in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, was first used for fire detection in 1931 when a 30' pole L-4 tower was constructed on the summit. In 1954, the present 82' treated timber L-4 tower was built about 300' east of the highest point of the mountain, presumably to optimize the view into the Minam River drainage. It continues to be staffed every summer, usually from late June through mid-September. No views can be had from the base of the tower, but for those who wish to keep their feet on terra firma, you can walk out to a point east of the lookout and get a stunning view into the Minam River, or wander over to the west at the actual summit and look down to La Grande. If the lookout is occupied during your visit, please let the attendant know you are there (they may not be able to hear you drive up due to the incessant wind), there should be a sign posted asking you to yell up for permission to climb (during and after lightning storms or periods of extreme fire danger visitors may not be allowed up). The entire 360 degree view opens up as you top the last staircase, with the Minam River and Eagle Cap Wilderness encapsulating the eastern half of the visible area. Mt Fanny can be seen to the south, the Elkhorns and Tower Mtn. to the southwest, La Grande and Mt. Emily to the west, and the length of the northern Blue Mountains from northwest to north. Another point of interest while at the lookout is to check the inside of the outhouse, it has a lot of good "bathroom reading" penciled on the walls, from poetry to quotes to jokes. Now for the warnings! Point Prominence is best accessed from the north off Forest Road 62. This last 1.6 miles to the summit is very rocky with short, steep pitches. 4WD is highly suggested, especially 4-Low when headed back down. The road should be snow-free from late May through mid-October. You are seeking a lock-n-lock style plastic container with logbook, writing instruments and trades. Be careful with the native camo so as to not crush the container (that means you, cache-n-dash! 
). Also be sure to log the two benchmarks up here.
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