Established as a detection point in 1938, the present 82'
treated timber tower with L-4 live-in cabin, built in 1950, is the
easternmost lookout on the Umatilla. It has been an emergency "as
needed" lookout for many years, used mainly by patrol engines in
the area. In 2006, it was pressed into fulltime service after
Oregon Butte Lookout was evacuated due to the Columbia Complex
fire.
Here's some history on the development of the mountain as a lookout
post written by Grover C. Blake from the book "We Had an Objective
in Mind - A Centennial Anthology":
"Figuring out a way to overcome handicaps became a way of
life in the activities of early Forest Service personnel. I
remember one instance where we were able to develop a lookout on a
point having a commanding view of a large area of our protection
unit after many frustrations. After serving as Ranger for 15 years
on the Ochoco and several years on the Malheur...I was transferred
to the Umatilla N.F. and to a District which lacked an adequate
detection system. There were several guard stations manned by
firemen who did patrol duty on horseback and visited points of
observation to look for fires along their patrol route, but there
were no established lookout stations.
"The point that seemed to me to be ideal for lookout purpose
was known as Big Butte. The Supervisor felt this butte was not for
us since it was on private land and outside the National Forest. I
never liked to give up without a try so I went to the county seat
and learned that the land belonged to Frank Farrish of Farrish
Lumber Company. I then went to see Mr. Farrish and placed our
problem before him. He was more than willing to cooperate and said
they would gladly donate the land needed.
"In due time I surveyed out the land and got a legal
description of five acres and the land was deeded to the United
States. Our troubles were not ended though. We learned that the
taxes were several years in arrears and would have to be paid
before Uncle Sam would have a clear title. I went again to the
county seat and explained our troubles to the assessor and county
clerk. They agreed to forgive the taxes on the five acres and clear
the title. Then we learned that Uncle Sam would not accept a gift
but could buy the land. A check was sent to Farrish Lumber Company
good for one dollar in cash and the deal was closed and the top of
Big Butte belonged to the United States."
No view can be had from the ground. If the lookout is occupied
during your visit, you may be allowed up for a look around. Views
include Steptoe Butte to the north, Lewiston & Clarkston to the
northeast, Craig Mountain to the east, the Seven Devils and Eagle
Caps to the southeast and south, and Saddle Butte to the southwest.
If the lookout is not occupied during your visit, there may be a
barricade preventing you from climbing the tower. There is a gate
on the road to the lookout which will necessitate a 1/8 mile walk
to the tower.
The cache is a clear plastic lock-n-lock with logbook, writing
instruments and a few trading items.