Skyline Lookout Site Portland Oregon

Lookout Elevation: Unknown
Access: Likely easy
County: Multnomah

In August of 1951, a devastating fire burned 2,400 acres, or 25 percent of Forest Park in Portland. Three emergency lookouts were established across the Multnomah River in 1952. In 1958, a fourth lookout called Skyline was established up on the hill by the Portland Parks Bureau. The tower was a modified steel high tension power line tower, donated by an electric company.

September 28, 1958, the Sunday Oregonian reported: "Junior foresters from high schools and colleges have stood lookout duty at posts on the northeast side of the Willamette River during the past two years. Next year they will also man a lookout tower just off Skyline Boulevard at the northwest end of the park. The tower was donated by Pacific Light and Power Co. The platform will be erected by the city."

Based on the image, the lookout tower appears to be next to the wooden powerlines that cross the park at the North end. These wood power poles are distinctly different from the steel towers that also cross the park at the north end along another corridor. Near the highest crossing of the powerlines over Skyline Drive, a similar vantage can be found as the press photo. This vantage had road access in 1958 and old aerial photos hint of something in this area. BUT, this is my best guess where the lookout stood, we do not have confirmation yet of the actual location. Another location looks pretty good further down the ridge but I have not visited yet.

(Caption under this 1958 press photo of a tower)
"To Guard against fire in city's forest, a real lookout tower will be used next year, thanks to Portland General Electric Co. contribution of steel tower." (Sunday Oregonian)

Kemnow has this picture on his website labeled as a 1961 press photo of man standing next to firefinder. I dont know the source. This direction looks like a possible fit to the two northern locations on the map below along the powerline easement. Looks like a return visit and hike is needed.

Wooden powerpole in the image on the right is similar to powerlines in image below

Comparing location just off Skyline Blvd to location in the Black and White photo

Double wooden powerpoles

Powerline crossing of private road off NW Old Skyline Blvd.

Location I guessed as reported as JUST OFF NW Skyline Blvd. The other two circles match more to the image of the man and firefinder. I do belive the location is along this powerline corridor.

Powerlines going up and over hilltop

Powerlines going down hillside

Using Google Earth from the middle circle has a similar backdrop when facing away from the river