Marble Mountain Fire Lookout Site

elow is a rough timeline although there are several conflicting dates.

In 1922, this lookout site started as a rag camp with a 20 foot pole tower platform.

In 1923, a tower was completed by the first day of July.

In 1924 a log cabin was built. (source: lookout inventory)

In 1926 a 30 foot pole tower with 6x6 foot cab was started.

In 1927, "Packer Smith had just returned to Marble Mountain Lookout with the pack string loaded with lumber for the tower, as it was pouring down rain all hands, including Hougland, Foote and Vincent, proceeded to help take the packs off. As most of the horses were about half unpacked, there came two terrific blasts of thunder, which caused a general stampede. The only one that kept his post was Foote and the reason for that was that a horse had stepped on his foot and he was unable to move! One bolt of lightning struck a tree about 200 yards from the tower. L.L. Hougland" (Six Twenty-Six)

In 1927, "Mr. Hougland built a glass enclosed cab on the lookout tower, working into the months of October and November, braving the extremely bad weather in order to finish the job."

In 1930, Clarence Stovik was the lookout.

In 1931, Clarence Stovik was the lookout.

In 1932, Clarence Stovik was the lookout.

In 1933, Clarence Stovik was the lookout. On June 23, he sighted a smoke on Big Goosmus Creek. He immediately notified Assistant Ranger Hugh Cheyney at Curlew, who departed for the fire, after ordering a 10 man crew of Conservation Corps workers to hold themselves ready for a fire call. Upon arrival at the fire, Mr. Cheyney discovered that it had been set by Mr. A. Frei, who was disposing of some slash on his place without securing a permit."

In 1934, Ranger McPherson started construction of a cabin for use of the lookout.

In 1934, in September, panoramic photos were taken on the tower at 40 feet plus 3.

In 1938, September 30, “Mr. and Mrs. David Olson and Carrie motored to Marble lookout Sunday, and spent the day with their and brother, who is stationed there.” (The Republic News-Miner)

In 1942, the site was used by AWS, activated August 3. A sleeping quarters was added with AWS funds according to records.

In 1943, deactivated as AWS on July 1

In 1944 a 30 foot tower with L4 cab was built.

In 1944, Mrs Mabel Newton and daughter from Curlew were stationed there.

In 1970, this last lookout was removed. The last lookout was slightly below the summit on the west side, while the older lookout structures were right on the summit. A vintage 1942 outhouse stood just below the summit on the east side until it burned during the 2015 Stickpin Fire. The outhouse was featured in a 2012 issue of Nostalgia magazine.

Marble Mountain Lookout Site