Benchmark Mountain Lookout Site
WillhiteWeb.com
Benchmark Mountain is the highest point of West Cady Ridge. The lookout was built in the summers of 1929 and 1930. It was an 11 x 11 foot frame cabin with a 6 x 6 foot second floor observation cupola. The frame was made from alpine hemlock found nearby. The siding and roofing were packed in by horse. The first lookout at this station was Norm McCausland who patrolled north to the Whitechuck Glacier and south to Evergreen Mountain. He was expected to check up on the miners in the area and make sure sheepherders kept animals in the proper locations. The first few years there was no phone, to report a fire the lookout person had to hike down to Cady Pass where there was a phone. In August 1934, panoramic photos were taken at 25 feet above ground. In 1965 the lookout was destroyed.
Lookout Elevation: 5,816 feet
Hiking Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,800 feet
County: Snohomish
Looking Southeast, August 24, 1934
Looking Southwest, August 24, 1934
Looking North, August 24, 1934
Benchmark Mountain Lookout, photo taken by Lee Pickett
Benchmark Mountain Lookout in 1937
Taken same day as left image, approximately 1930
Benchmark Lookout at the top of the mountain with sheep below, Lee Pickett collection.
18957 USGS
1936 recreation map
Cady Creek Fire from Benchmark Mountain Lookout 1930ish (shot by Lee Pickett)
Sheepherder Camp near Cady Pass
Another sheep pictures taken as Lee Pickett hiked up to the lookout
More sheep pictures taken as Lee Pickett hiked up to the lookout
1956 Trip Report
Taken from same area as picture on right
Looking Southwest, July 10, 2021
Looking North, July 10, 2021
Looking Southeast, July 10, 2021
At the northern edge of the summit ridge is this unknown foundation. Maybe the storage shelter described below.
Part of one footing remaining in 2021
Nails, glass, screws