Mount Aix - William O Douglas Wilderness

Mount Aix is the highest peak in a lesser traveled area near Bumping Lake east of Mount Rainier. Aix is a bit east of the crest so the weather there is often better and the snow does melt out earlier. Mount Aix also makes it onto the state prominence list at number 39 with 3,286 feet.

From Highway 410, take the Bumping Lake Road 11 miles to the end of the pavement. Then 2.5 miles to a junction. Stay left and go 1.5 miles to the signed Mt. Aix Trailhead on the left. The last few miles are rocky but regular cars can make it.

The trail switchbacks for several miles up through forests to Nelson Ridge. Now views are open as the trail traverses the ridge toward Mount Aix. This traverse goes up and down a bit. The trail gets close to the summit but a scramblers trail gets you the final way up the west ridge. Other scramble trails are on the north and south ridges.

In 1923, the first building was a D-6 cupola cabin. That same year it reported a fire at the distance of 36 miles. Forest officers who were building the lookout cabin on the summit of Mt. Aix said that it was a damn hard mountain to climb, and rough country to get into.

In 1924, the lookout man was Ernest Beeks. He had some ideas for improvements to the Mt. Aix Lookout Station. He suggested to his Supervisor Fenby the following recommendations: By way of some slight added improvements about the Lookout Station, should you at any future time contemplate such, and may wish to make it a point of more or ------ attraction, as well as for the convenience, comfort, and ----- of the isolated Lookout man, and also for the pleasure of the visitors who will increase in number each year; I might suggest that with the expenditure of no great sum for cement, an extension of added porch room with concrete floors on the three sides, north, south, and east of house, with a railing surrounding all, which, as stated, I'm sure would be appreciated, not only by the Lookout attendant, but by the enthusiastic mountain climbers, who, during their vacation periods, find a pleasure in exploration of the higher altitudes, and, as you know, a few interested and enthusiastic visitors, become wonderful advertisers. There are also other possibilities which could be brought in connection therewith, such as placing a turbine wheel in the head of Hindoo or Dog Creek, installing a dynamo and generate electricity with which to light and heat the house, and also for cooking purposes, and a powerful searchlight could be placed on top of the building, which could be used for a signal, and could be seen from any point on the Forest of equal altitude, coming in range of sight of the Station. Or, there is more than sufficient wind at most times to generate a million horse power, by even a small wind mill.

In 1929, the lookout person was Lookout Edwards. He suggested that the top of all lookout houses be painted white and the name of the peak painted on with large black letters. Not only would this help orientate the flying fire observers, but would serve as a guide for mail or other planes. In case of fog, a lost airman could obtain his bearings if he happens to pass over a lookout.

In 1929, panoramas were taken.

In 1931, a forest fire lookout stationed at Mt. Aix, reported that his cabin was struck twelve times by lightning in one night, and that his instruments registered 526 flashes and as many reports.

In 1961, a USGS reported placing a benchmark next to the West wall. The lookout is also reported as destroyed this year.