Little Huckleberry Mountain Trail - Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Elevation: 4,781 feet
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
Access: Good Dirt/Mostly Paved

Little Huckleberry is a high 1600+ foot prominent mountain with over a 100 year history of fire lookouts. The mountain commands an excellent view over the volcanic country of the southern Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Especially over the Big Lava Bed.

The 1912 Columbia National Forest Map had a lookout symbol on Little Huckleberry.
In 1916, a benchmark was placed on Little Huckleberry.
In 1920, a cupola cabin lookout was completed by the Forest Service.
In 1920, the Goldendale Sentinel reported that the materials for this cabin were cut to fit by Ranger Carl Pearson, of Trout Lake, and transported to the summit by pack horses. The cabin had been built by Mr. Percy Clendenny, of Lyle, while acting as a lookout during that present season. The cabin was 12 by 12 feet, with a cupola, used for fire observation work. It was warmly built, and made a comfortable home for the lookout occupying the point during the summer months.
In 1936, an L-4 cab was built. Panoramics from the roof were also taken.
In 1938 the lookout was Jack Prince.
In 1970, the cab was destroyed.

From Willard, drive north on forest service road #66 which is paved and then turns to good gravel a few miles before the well marked trailhead on the East side of the road.

The forested trail climbs a small drainage before reaching a forested ridge. It traverses the west side of the mountain (sometimes dropping a bit) until a steep push to the north ridge. From there, a short distance brings you to some open berry fields shortly before reaching the summit. At the summit, explore around a bit.

Washington Fire Lookouts

Footings from the L-4 cab

Root Cellar just below the summit

Little Huckleberry Trail

Unknown foundation off spur trail south of summit area

Old shed location in the 1936 SE view

1912 Columbia National Forest Map

Rock wall at the summit

This is a small spring about a half mile below the summit that has been used since the first lookout.

Old radio battery tossed from the summit

One of many eyebolts surrounding the summit

Little Huckleberry Lookout, the 1920 Cupola