Greenleaf Peak Lookout Site

Panoramic images in July 1934 were taken from the roof at 20 feet above the ground. This matches the records and image we have of the cab on a 10 foot wood tower. The date of construction is not known but the phone setup and flagpole in 1934 look pretty established. In February 1942, the Forest Service notified the State DNR that they were abandoning Greenleaf and Three Corner Rock lookout houses. The state quickly responded that they would rehabilitate both and include them in their protective system of lookouts. The letter continued saying it was DNR policy to own land upon which their lookouts are situated. Plans were set in motion for the State to procure title for Greenleaf. In 1946 a benchmark was placed 47.3 feet north northwest of the lookout tower, stamped Greenleaf 1946. The lookout was said to have been destroyed in 1961. It appears to have been pushed over the side of the hill given all the debris still remaining during my visit in December 2019.

The link below is an interview with Gene Sargent who was a lookout the summer of 1948 when he was age 16. He shares numerous stories about his experience, including hiking one night over to the lookout at Three Corner Rock.

WillhiteWeb.com: Washington Fire Lookouts

From Highway 14, between Bridge of the Gods and Skamania, turn north on the road to Skamania Lodge. In 0.32 miles, just after the lodge entrance, turn left on SW Foster Creek Road. Go up until you hit some powerlines, then turn at an unsigned left onto Red Bluff Road (gravel). Follow this forest road for 0.7 miles to a Y. Turn left at the Y. Follow this road 3.1 miles to the fifth time passing under the powerlines. This is the winter parking spot if there is snow (hike up powerline road). If no snow, continue on the road, (some ups and downs) until you reach the ridge directly west of Greenleaf Peak. There is a 5 way intersection on the ridge and any car should be able to reach the ridge (as of 2020). I took the first left, traveling along the side of the ridge until I hit the powerline road. Snow required me to walk from here, easy cross country to reach the ridgeline where there is a trail going up the forest ridge to the summit.

Elevation: 3,422 feet
Hiking Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
County: Skamania County

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VPOy82RUvY

Shed just below the summit

Lookout on the side of the hill

More lookout pushed down the hillside

Rock platform to help flatten area where lookout was located

Views almost gone at the top

The State will rehabilitate Greenleaf, 1942.

Land ownership change

Flagpole and telephone pole in the pano below

Greenleaf Peak Lookout

Exhibit replica of Greenleaf Peak Lookout, with Ann P. who I think was a lookout at Greenleaf Peak

I forgot where I got these but the exhibit was at a fair or some state event. It was to replicate Greenleaf and the panoramics on the railing do match the panoramics on the left.

1929 map, 1950 update

1926 map, 1955 update

Greenleaf Peak Lookout on the 1940 Columbia National Forest map

Looking North July 11, 1934

Looking Southeast July 11, 1934

Looking Southwest July 11, 1934