Buck Mountain Lookout

Buck Mountain is a simple drive-up peak with a fire lookout on the summit. The mountain is located right off Highway 20 between Twisp and Okanogan. The first lookout started around 1911 with a crows nest tree and a log cabin. Early reports called the mountain Buck Peak.

In August 1911 the Okanogan Independent newspaper reported: “The trail from Sweet Creek Ranger Station to the lookout on Buck’s Peak has been swamped and cleared.”
In 1920, Forest Supervisor P. T. Harris placed Fred Cole to staff the cabin.
In 1934 a 20 foot pole tower was built with an L-4 cab on top.
In 1942 Buck was used by the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS).
In 1960, Buck was rebuilt onto a 40 foot tower by the DNR.

Buck almost suffered near fatal fire damage when burned over during the 2015 Okanogan Fire Complex. A blast of heat on the inch-thick bolts connecting the braces on one leg actually caused the connecting wood to ignite and burn at the bottom and halfway up the tower leg, cross bracing, and stair landings. One leg was charred almost all the way through, leaving the 20 foot live-in tower virtually standing on three legs. The DNR got a contractor to stabilize the tower to make it through the winter. With the help from FEMA Public Assistance Grant in 2016, Buck Mountain Lookout is as good as new again. Although not staffed for decades, this is a sign the DNR places value on this lookout. (Kresek)

From Twisp, take Highway 20 for about 15 miles to a left turn onto Buck Mountain Road. From Okanogan at Highway 97 take Highway 20 for about 16.5 miles to a right turn onto Buck Mountain Road. Follow Buck Mountain Road approximately 5.75 miles to the summit. The road is on State Land so some maintenance gets done but many parts of the road are a bit rough. High clearance and 4WD are recommended. Many snowshoe or ski this road in the winter.

Buck Mountain Lookout

WillhiteWeb.com