Chelan Butte is the site where once stood a fire lookout tower at 3835’ elevation. Here is an archived photo of the original Lookout. The first tower built was a 40' pole L-4 in 1936. It burned down, replaced in 1939 by a 28' treated timber tower with L-4 cab. Staffed sporadically into the 1990's, the tower was moved to the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center 1 mile north of Entiat, Washington, alongside Highway 97, in 1995. That tower can be seen at Trail of Fire cache.
The view from the top of Chelan Butte is incredible. From the cache location, looking NorthWest, you can see Lake Chelan stretching toward the North Cascades. On the other side, looking South, you can see the Columbia River and towards Wenatchee and Mission Ridge. View the Panorama
Getting there: From Hiway 97A at the South Shore of Lake Chelan, take the Chelan Butte Road for about 3 miles, then left on Butte Lookout road for about a mile until you reach the cache. It's paved until you get past the homes, then turns to Dirt Road. It's a good well maintained road that winds its way to the top. Along the way there are nice viewpoints of the lake.
Chelan Butte is also one of the premier Hang Gliding and Paragliding locations in the World. Lake Chelan has been the host of some of the most prestigious events. In year 2005, Chelan Butte will be the site for the United States Speed Gliding Championships (May 3-7, 2005) and the US Paragliding National Championships (July 10-16, 2005). Click Here for more information.
Have fun geocaching here and enjoy one of the most accessable lookout locations in Washngton State with an incredible view.
If you would like to see what's left of the fire lookout tower, proceed to the top of the hill. The four concrete footings are in the first fenced area on the left.