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Big Hill, also called Woodpile, or Big Camp is shown on 1930s maps. This camp was used in the 1930s in conjunction with a camp at Skull & Crossbones. Both camps can be seen on the 1931 National Forest map. In 1932, a fire lookout was built at Skull and Crossbones Ridge which had valley views to the north that Big Hill could not see. But even with the lookout building at Skull & Crossbones, Big Hill was blocking other views and so it was still probably used as a patrol point.

Big Hill also has the Cecil Benchmark which has no data helpful for lookout history.

Former Lookouts

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Elevation: 6,680 feet says contours, 6,717 feet says benchmark. 6,725 says 1931 map
Hiking Distance: Half mile or less
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
County: Okanogan

Big Camp/Big Hill/Woodpile Lookout Camp

Big Hill from Skull and Crossbones Lookout in 1934

Access

Route

The terrain is open so pretty much hike up anywhere. I took the west ridge since there were thunderstorms brewing and the forest on the north side of the ridge offered protection if things got bad. The highest point to start is the south face, where I show my campsite on the map below. You can just climb the open south face from the camp. The summit has numerous piles of wire and rotting wood but it seems unclear if it was for a firefinder stand or used for survey purposes.

A long 20-mile approach through the Loomis State Forest is required to reach this site. Roads are constantly changing, being abandoned, and washing out. In general, the approach uses the South Fork Toats Coulee from the north, then west. Use aerial photos to plan your route, all maps are out of date for this area. You pass right below Skull and Crossbones in route. Higher clearance is probably best for the last 3 miles.