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Former Lookouts

Windy Peak is the 92nd highest peak in Washington and easternmost Washington Top 100 Mountain. It was the site of a fire lookout and brings a 1,788 foot prominence. Windy Peak is just 5 miles from the international boundary and close to Horseshoe Basin, a popular hiking destination.

Access

There are multiple trails; the most common would be a trail starting from Long Swamp Campground. Another option (shortest) is Windy Creek (the route I used) although it has a few sections overgrowing from lack of use and maintenance. Another longer route would be a trail that leaves the Horseshoe Basin trail out of Iron Gate, but you potentially could do a large loop to include Horseshoe Basin.

Elevation: 8,333 feet
Hiking Distance: 5.5 miles one way (Windy Creek Trail)
Elevation gain: 3,000 feet
Access: Good gravel roads

Looking North - September 18, 1934

Looking Southeast - September 18, 1934

WillhiteWeb.com

Route:

For most, the long drive is the hardest part. Take US-97 to Tonasket. Turn left in town, cross the river and head west on Loomis-Oroville Road to Loomis. Just north of Loomis, take the Toats Coulee Road left and drive this well-maintained paved and dirt road to Long Swamp Camp (approximately 22 miles). This is where the 7-mile Windy Peak Trail begins. Or continue west 3 miles to the Cathedral Driveway Trailhead where you can take the Windy Creek Trail.

Looking Southwest - September 18, 1934

Windy Peak from the north

Windy Peak from the west

Windy Creek Trail with new trees growing

Above the fire damage on the Windy Creek Trail

Basin below Windy Peak

Summit register

Trail junction below the summit

View to Remmel Mountain - also a fire lookout

Looking Northwest with Remmel Mountain (center left) and Cathedral Peak (center right)

Horseshoe Basin area from the summit

Phone line and insulator on original pole

Looking south from the summit

USGS BM nail and an anchor rod

Windy Peak lookout

September 10, 1942

August 20, 1942 - Windy relays through Conconully Ranger Station

Windy (F-8) location

Nails on the summit

Windy Peak on the AWS map

Lookout History

In 1932, a gabled-roofed L-4 cab lookout was built by E.W. Allen and Raymond Johnson.
In 1934, panoramic images were taken.
In 1942, the Aircraft Warning Service used the lookout for the short time from July 20 to September 6
In 1956, a survey party said that the lookout was soon to be demolished.
In 1963, the lookout was finally destroyed.
In recent years, fires have burned all sides of the peak, but some old, stunted trees still survive near timberline. The old telephone line still runs down the NW slope to the saddle.

Bringing supplies to Windy Peak

Accessibility in 1942

Conconully Map 1938