Flagstaff Mountain Fire Lookout Site

In early 1931, the Colville Examiner reported that spur lines would be constructed during the summer to Vulcan Mountain, Buckhorn Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain and Flat Creek in order to increase detection, to reduce the discovery time on fires. (Flat Creek could be Mineral, Churchill or an unknown).

In 1935, a 40-foot tower with L-4 cab was said to have been built. (likely a few years later than this date).

In 1936, panoramic photos were taken from 5 feet above the ground. No evidence of anything built in the pictures. This same year, the Bureau of Reclamation placed a benchmark on a rock point at the summit of Flagstaff Mountain. The directions gave a road to the pass just below the summit and then to hike uphill about a quarter mile to the summit. No mention of any structures.

In 1952, a 50-foot pole tower with a 14 x 14-foot cab was erected.

In 1958, the Air Force acquired 50+ acres by leases with several private parties and a license from the County for road access.

In 1959, the radar gap filler station was completed, the improvements included the control building, radar tower, outhouse, a 4,000-gallon fuel tank and security fencing. This station supported the primary station at Colville Air Force Station.

In 1960 (September), the station was deactivated by the Air Force and was declared excess inventory in October.

In 1961 (September), the work of removing the improvements was contracted.

In 1971, a 40-foot tower with a live-in DNR cab was constructed on the site.

In 2013 (August), the lookout was removed to make way for a communication site. The tower was dismantled, and the cab was relocated to the town of Northport.

Flagstaff Mountain Lookout Site