Cooper Mountain Lookout Site

In 1920, a crow's nest was used.

In 1927 a log cabin was built. This cabin burned in a forest fire.

In 1931, the lookout station was the first in the Chelan National Forest to have a road access the lookout station.

In 1932 a new log cabin was built with a 45-foot wooden tower and 7x7 foot cab on top.

In 1932: “A total of 76 radio sets of the short wave types recently tested out by the forest service are being installed in the Chelan forest according to R.E. Johnson, dispatcher at the Winthrop ranger station. The 11 large sending and receiving sets are being installed at Okanogan, where the forest supervisor is located, and at the following lookout station: Cooper Mountain." (The Wenatchee World)

In 1934 panorama photos were taken at 55+3 feet above the ground. The original crows nest is in the photos so it did not burn with the original cabin.

In August 7, 1937: “Rupert Ward of the 25-Mile creek station has been sent to Cooper mountain look-out to take charge while the regular man is with Ranger H.G. Cooper of the Chelan office at the fire in the Columbia forests.” (The Wenatchee Daily World)

In 1939, a 53-foot timber tower with an L-4 cab was constructed and staffed into the 1960's.

In 1968 the tower was destroyed.

Lookout Elevation: 5,867 feet
Access: Drive-up
County: Okanogan/Chelan County

Roads around the summit area

Looking Southeast 1934

Looking Southwest 1934

Cooper Mountain Lookout

Cooper Mountain Lookout 1932

Cooper Mountain 1932, this can also be seen in the 1934 panoramic photos.

Cooper Mountain Lookout 1968

2015 Firefighters at the Cooper Mountain Lookout site having an after action review on the footings

1936 Lake Chelan recreation map

From the Chelan-Manson Highway, take Boyd Road north to Cooper Gulch Road, following signs for the Echo Ridge Ski Area. At the major ski area junction, take the left for onto the Cooper Mountain Road. The last hundred yards can be walked if your car has issues with the ruts. Most of the route should be good for most cars as long as the roads are dry. Visited in 2020.