Ted Gilbert Lookout Site

In 1963, the Ted Gilbert Lookout was built, replacing the nearby Elk Rock Lookout that was damaged in the 1962 Columbus Day storm. The new lookout was a DNR 40-foot wooden tower with a live-in 14-by-14-foot cab. It was named after long-time Centrailian, Ted Gilbert, a retiring 40-year Weyerhaeuser employee. The land was Weyerhaeuser but the DNR lookout was officially dedicated to Gilbert by Bert Cole, State Commissioner of Public Lands. Because fire lookouts are usually named after some geographic feature in the area, the ridge on which it stands was named Ted Gilbert Ridge. The first lookout person was Thomas Huntington of Toutle. He had to truck in water and there was no electricity, but this new site had a road which was much better than Elk Rock. A two-way radio service permitted the guard to be in constant communication with the Kelso DNR district office and the U.S. Forest Service Spirit Lake district.

In 1964, the lookout person was Leland Peterson, transferred from Abernathy Lookout after 2 weeks over on that lookout.

In 1967, the lookout was Martin Burrows. He had staffed Elk Mountain the year before.

In 1968, the lookout was again Martin Burrows.

In 1977, a private party purchased and removed it, just three years before the mountain blew.

Forest roads reach close to the summit but are usually gated. The most reliable thing to do is park on the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway and get onto the road network hiding just above the road. The map below shows the most direct access from the road. Note the lookout is on a knob much lower than the higher points of the ridge, which prevents the lookout from seeing anything in that direction.

Elevation: 4,116 feet
Distance: 1 mile from Highway
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Road Access: Paved

Walking over to Ted Gilbert from Elk Rock Site

Nearing the 4 way intersection SW of point 4148

Saddle between 4,148 and 4,116

North to Mt. Rainier from lookout site

One of two footings, two were missing

From point 4,148 looking down on the lookout site at 4,116

Mount St. Helens from Ted Gilbert Lookout Site

Ted Gilbert Lookout Site looking south

Looking east into Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

From the saddle, looking at Elk Rock Lookout Site

I remember working for DNR when it was being built to replace Elk Rock tower, much shorter than elk rock, but lots more room. Tom Huntington one of the early tower residents in 1963. Had to pack in water, no electricity, but had a road in, much better than Elk Rock, Elk Mtn, or Wolf Point which we packed food and water into.

Howard Ruhland, Greg Jones, Jerry Gutzweiler & Mt. St. Helens pre-eruption

Getting ready to lower tower

Dedication of lookout

Washington Lookout Sites