Horseshoe Ridge Lookout Site

If you stumbled across this lookout site today, you would never think there was once buildings there. The location isn�t on the highpoint and the terrain nearby up the ridge seems so much more hospitable. Located where the cab was, the ridge is so narrow that the center of the lookout rested on the flat rock while the sides and catwalk overhung on both sides. One side has a 30 foot vertical cliff that isn�t apparent in the photographs. With the current forest completely blocking the surrounding area, you�re left scratching your head why here. A stroll up to the Horseshoe Ridge highpoint (about 5 minutes walk) reveals the true summit would have required a lot of timber to be dropped to obtain any views. The Horseshoe Ridge lookout was reported to have been built in 1934. On July 11, 1934 panoramic images were taken from 12 feet on the roof. It�s unclear when it was abandoned and burned but we have a USFS image saying 1964, with the lookout in great condition.

Lookout Elevation: 3,495 feet
Hiking Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Access: Good Gravel Roads

Good gravel roads will get you to within a mile of the site. There is also a long and strenuous hiking loop (Horseshoe Ridge Loop) that could be done that has other access points. The trailhead I show on the map is not signed and looks like a campsite. A trail leaves the camp in both directions, go left.

The Horseshoe Ridge Trail passes right by the site. The trail starts in a forest with some really large trees. Several old phone insulators are viewable on the way up. At the point where the trail hits the highest point and starts to drop down a narrow ridge, go off the trail up the ridge and quickly find the old lookout site.

WillhiteWeb.com: Fire Lookouts

Horseshoe Ridge Lookout 1936

Phone insulator on old tree

Horseshoe Ridge Lookout labeled 1964, sign reads Horseshoe Ridge Lookout Elevation 3500

Nails, glass and battery core

Burned wood, glass, wire, nails

Even with a cliff and steep dropping slopes, the trees have blocked the view

Edge of the site and 30 foot cliff

Area of the lookout site in 2019

Horseshoe Ridge Trail

Looking North in 1934

Looking Southeast in 1934