If you are up on your dendrology, you will notice that the large, conical-shaped trees are Giant Sequoias, which are not native to this part of California. These trees, along with the remains of the old concrete fence posts and barriers, were part of the Elk Mountain Guard Station (fire station) of the Mendocino National Forest. One of the original guard stations on the forest, it served until the late 1960's. At that time, a larger, more suitable site was located 3 miles north at the old Howard Mill site, and a new fire station was build. Mendocino National Forest engine (or "tanker" as they were known back then) number 4-6-2 was assigned here. A small helicopter was also assigned here in the late 60's.