Omak Mountain Lookout

An L-4 cab was built here in 1935, constructed using Civilian Conservation Corps labor. It was staffed by the Washington State Division of Forestry. In 1968, a 20 foot timber tower with R-6 flat cab replaced the original cab. In 1986, the present 53 foot all-steel live-in tower was built. It is staffed every summer.

Here are some stories found by Ron Kemnow:
July 17, 1943: “Many teachers are employed this summer as fire lookouts in the Colville national forest, according to Chief Ranger Mel Robertson of Nespelem. Miss Rachel Butte, Chewelah junior high, on Omak mountain.” (The Colville Examiner)

November 7, 1960: "This lookout consists of a wooden cabin on 4-foot concrete foundation wall located on solid rock at the 5,749 ft. level. Available area on which the cabin sits is approximately 18' x 18'. At the same site are located a television reflector station and Border Patrol building which obstruct view from the lookout in one direction. The lookout is 11 miles from the Omak highway; the access road is very narrow, steep and rough. Site is subject to very strong winds. Electric service is available. Water is about 1000 feet distant and must be carried up a very steep cliff. The cabin was built in 1935 by the CCC and is in poor condition. The structure has been attacked by extremes of weather for twenty-five years; the wood is cracked and brittle, and worthwhile repairs are out of the question. It is proposed that a new lookout-cabin be constructed fifteen feet higher, thereby attaining unobstructed view. Structure to be anchored in the rock and guyed. Windows should be vertically pivoted with tinted glass panes for maximum visibility." (Inspection Report)

From Omak, take Highway 155 for roughly 13 miles. Turn left onto Omak Lookout Road, probably signed. It is 10.5 miles to the summit. If your vehicle is not high clearance, you will probably want to stop at the old gate (4,300 feet) a few miles before the summit. The road gets rough in the drainage leading up to the saddle on the summit ridge.