Buck Peak Lookout Traditional Cache

A short side trail off the Pacific Crest Trail leads to a 1930s lookout site with fantastic views. The lookout was built in 1934 and was gone by 1950. A short life, but much remains. All 4 footings, lots of stove parts and melted glass are left for lookout enthusiasts like us to pick through.

First off, there is no easy way to this site. The shortest, and the way we came this time, is from the Indian Mountain parking way point. This is where we parked for the Fishing for Indian Mountain cache (GCXQMP). From there it's 6 mostly gentle miles along the PCT to the cache. The only elevation gain is the last mile of so. A couple of years ago we hiked up from Lost Lake and that's just a little further, but over 1500 feet total. Most of it is the first 2 miles up the Huckleberry Trail. It joins the PCT just South of Between the Preacher and the Devil (GCG8N6). Both ways are along a ridge with many views and is some of the nicest hiking we've done. Access can also be had at Lolo Pass. From there it's 7.5 miles one way. A forest pass is required there, and a park entrance fee at Lost Lake.

Second, about the views. The view of Mount Hood with Lost Lake in front has to be the best we've ever seen. That's saying something. We've had the pleasure of seeing the mountain from almost every lookout site around it. We love how it changes shape from different angles. Mrs Wolffbudz's family in Arkansas are always asking "what mountain is that?" But this one view beats them all. Totally worth every step.

Finally, the lookout and the cache. When the summit is reached, two signs on a tree let you know. Then the trail ends at a ledge, and a view. Go left to see the lookout remains. Lots of guy wires and copper wire for lightning suppression by the footings.

P.S. Keep an eye out for the phone line insulators in the trees along the trail. I've gotten used to looking for these relics along most trails. We saw 4 different types today. Some of these might be a hundred years old. The usual brown or white oval, but some were round. Another type seemed to insulate the wire from the tree. Then we saw a blue glass one. The kind one sees on the old poles along the Deschutes railroad. See the pics. I'll put a way point for the glass one. Ones like that are rare, and may be cache worthyComms are better now though. We had 4G the whole way.