McCue Ridge Lookout Site - Images Maps History

Lookout elevation: 5,136 feet
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Distance: 1 mile from Scottish Lakes High Camp
Access: Easy hike or snowshoe

Located at an obscure location low on McCue Ridge, this lookout was built in 1931 and used until sometime in the 1950's. Photos show it was a L-4 cab on top of a 40 foot tower made of timbers cut from the area. We are also lucky to have photo survey panoramas taken on Oct 3, 1934 showing the view in all directions. The lookout location at has re-grown its forest so views are very limited. Although, in 2014, the Chiwaukum Creek Fire burned over the ridge allowing some limited viewing of distant peaks. Some of the remnants that remain are the cement footings, telephone wires, parts of a woodburning stove, old cans and dishware. The original trail and phone route to the lookout was a trail that dropped down to Chiwaukum Creek. There is a nice trail that goes from near Highway 2 up the Chiwaukum Creek Valley but finding the old spur trail that branches up to McCue Ridge to the lookout is difficult to find. The best access is from the Scottish Lakes High Camp at 5000 feet, less than a mile away.

View Southwest 10-3-1934

View Southwest 11-27-2015

View Southeast 10-3-1934

View Southeast 11-27-2015

View North 10-3-1934

View North 11-27-2015

Image by Ken Wilson (Leavenworth Fire Boss)

1938 Image by Austin Post

2015 Visit: Found 2 footings just above the snow

From the saddle to the NW of the 5,136 foot knob

Other Pre-2014 Fire Images from the Web

Phone insulator found on Chiwaukum River Trail