WillhiteWeb.com
The Ohop Benchmark was once the site of a lookout tower. In 2003, I had excellent views after a timber harvest but trees have now grown back now. The main issue with access is the ownership. The tree farm was purchased by Hancock Timber and it is now in their Eatonville Forest, where a permit is required. I can't find my pictures for this one but I did find some images from a mountaineers trip when the tower was still standing. I was up there late one evening after classes while attending UW Pack Forest.
Ohop Benchmark & Former Lookout Site
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Summit Elevation: 2,335 feet
Road Access: Paved/Good Gravel
From Eatonville, go east from the town 4 way stop. At the edge of town is the Weyerhauser Road going north becoming 419th St. E. Follow it to the gate.
Access:
Route shown on the map is via roads and avoids any bushwhacking. The Nicholson Horse Trail System is another option but requires a long but interesting hike up from the Sahara Creek Horse Camp.
Route:
Hancock Timberlands Map showing their Eatonville Forest properties
The Ohop Lookout was built and phone lines placed in 1937. It was a 70 foot timber tower with an L-6 cab and accompanying ground cabin living quarters. The location was used by the AWS, activated March 9, 1942. The lookout continued for fire after and the structure lasted until 1969.
Historical Info:
Ohop Lookout Tower
Irene Potter Image from year 2000
From the 1937 Forester Report
AWS map
AWS document about the Ohop observers
From the 1954 Mountaineers Annuals
AWS Telephone costs to the Ohop Lookout
Ohop AWS observers
AWS Ohop communications
Ohop accessibility in 1942
List of lookout sites during planning of AWS locations to use
Ohop, managed and located on State of Washington, an esisting station, reconditioned, to retain for the State of Washington, with a 12x20 foot garage built with AWS funds.
Ohop Location: SE, NE Sec. 6, Township 16 North, Range 5 East
Images from a Mountaineers Trip
