Monument 83 Lookout (Holdover Peak)

Located on the U.S./Canadian border, this site requires a 30-mile hike through the Pasayten Wilderness. Or you can just take the back door entrance in Canada where an abandoned old road (now trail) will get you there. BC Parks maintains the trail with use of ATVs to get chainsaws in. Each year, a large number of dead trees fall across the trail. Bark beetles are thinning out the forest, notice that all the cut logs will all have a blue stain fungus ring.

From the Hope area in British Columbia, take Highway 3 a few miles East of the village Manning Park. The trailhead is well signed as the Monument 78/83 Trailhead.

Lookout Elevation: 6,520 feet
Hiking Distance: 10 miles one-way
Elevation Gain: 2,833 feet
Access: Paved to Trailhead

This is an old road so the trail is wide. It starts by going the wrong direction in order to reach a bridge over the river. Once across, turn right at a sign. In a short distance is another bridge over a large creek. Now go under a mile or so to the intersection where you can choose Monument 78 or 83. Go left, toward Monument 83. At this point, the trail will go up a valley and you can’t get lost. There are several creeks, the last reliable one was probably the crossing of Monument Creek before the climb.

In the 1920s, a camp with tree platform was established.

In 1930, a log cupola cabin was constructed which still remains but sits on the Canadian side, build on the wrong side of the border, possibly by accident. Six Twenty-Six described it as a lookout of log construction, built 14 x 14 with a 6x6 dog house on top.

In 1932, the lookout was Fred Vanderpool.

In 1937, the Oregonian newspaper reported, "When the last lonely forest fire lookouts climb down from their isolated vantage points and haul down the flag of the land over which they have kept summer vigil there will be one exception. A.C. Mattison of Okanogan, Washington, holds the distinction of being the only United States forest service lookout posted on foreign soil. He is lookout at monument 83 on the Canadian boundary of the Chelan national forest. The station was built across the boundary line in Canada under special privilege granted by the British king. Mattison looks out upon a grand and inspiring view from his lonely perch. The largest primitive area in the north Pacific region, the north Cascade primitive area, lies just to the south. To the north is the Canadian landscape, which is similarly rich in rugged and spectacular beauty. Deer near Mattison's station became so friendly this season that he was able to touch them and one large buck actually licked his face, he reported to regional headquarters here. The Canadian government requested that the American flag not be flown from Mattison's lookout station, a request that was complied with. However, Mattison asked for a British flag, but failed to receive it so a 125-foot flagpole was erected in front of the lookout house which is several feet from the international boundary on the American side and the Stars and Stripes fluttered from the top throughout the season."

In 1942, the cabin was used by the Aircraft Warning Service.

In 1953, a 30-foot timber tower with L-4 cab was built on the U.S. side. This tower was last used for emergencies in the 1970's.

In 1963, the lookout was Jimmie Rea. After guard school, he was flown from Winthrop to the remote Pasayten Airport, and from there he was packed in by horseback carrying all his supplies to Monument 83. His plans were to finish in the middle of September to return and enter college at Ellensburg where he will study basic science courses, before transferring to Pullman for his second year.

In 1968, the lookout was Tom Parrish, a 1968 graduate of Brewster high school. He only got away once from his post all summer when spent the day as guest at a Canadian ranger station and also had his hair cut. His parents were taken by jeep one weekend to visit him. All his supplies were by airdrop.

In 1969, Tom Parrish was back at the lookout working for the Forest Service and this time he arrived at his station by helicopter. He planned to work until it was time for college in the fall.

In 2022, a fire came close to the lookouts which were partially wrapped by the Forest Service.

Looking North in 1934

Looking Southeast in 1934

Looking Southwest in 1934

1920s Tree Platform in 1934

Grave between the lookouts for a pack mule who broke its leg and had to be shot.

All 3 lookouts, 2 standing and the three stumps of the tree platform.

Inside the log cupola cabin

The 1930 log cupola cabin

The 1953, 30-foot tower with L-4 cab

International border looking East

International border looking West

Looking North from the lookout catwalk