Knowlton Knob Lookout

In 1934 or just prior, a ground-mounted L-4 cab lookout was built by the Forest Service. Panorama photos were taken this year by Robert Cooper.

In 1936, the lookout was Leslie Clapp who lived in the Chilowist district area. He was still the lookout in 1940.

In 1954, the lookout was sold to the state of Washington.

In 1966, the State rebuilt it onto a 60-foot timber tower.

In 1985, a fire raged across wheatfields in north central Washington near Indian Dan Creek. The blaze grew from seven acres to 500 acres in its first hour and burned out of control about four miles north of Pateros. It overran the Knowlton Knob lookout tower which first reported the fire. A wheat farmer reported that a catalytic converter on a vehicle he was driving through his wheat fields started the blaze.

In 2014, the Carlton Complex Fire burned two of the legs but the tower survived and was repaired. The toilet building was not so lucky and burned up. The lookout was evacuated by helicopter. Today the lookout is used only occasionally.

From Brewster, take 7th St. North a few blocks, then turn left on Paradise Hill Road. The pavement ends at 4 miles at a Y with Rat Lake Road. Go left, follow to a Y where the right turn has No Trespass signs. Use map. A bit further around the bend is a road to the left with a gate (hopefully open). Turn left and follow as the map below shows up to the summit.

Knowlton Knob Lookout

WillhiteWeb.com