Samish Lookout
Located on Butler Hill, an island like uplift in the broad Skagit River Valley, Samish Lookout had a commanding view for only being 886 feet high. Built around 1938, this was reported to be a 2 story 10 foot x10 foot smokehouse. The lookout inventory has it destroyed around 1952.
Samish Lookout was on a supplemental list for Aircraft Warning Service, even appearing on a main AWS map when most supplemental locations did not. It appears the site was first being used by local volunteer observers during the day but then they considered using paid staff. I don’t think this ever happened based on Samash not appearing on the normal documents, nor the list of what to do with after the war.
WillhiteWeb.com: Washington Fire Lookouts
Lookout Elevation: 886 feet
Landowner: Private Land – Do not go here without permission.
This area is heavily signed to keep out. There is no access at this time.
Access & Route
Looking Northeast from the summit
Looking South from the summit area
Looking Northwest from the summit area
Anchors being used for ham tower
Anchor being used for ham tower
Samish Lookout 1942
Summit from sub-summit
Northeast
1952 USGS, 1969 update
Supplemental AWS posts
Used Aug 27,1942 to Sept. 15, 1942
List of State Lookouts, Samish didn't list the TYPE probably because it looked like the image we have up above.
In an AWS letter....Samish Lookout is manned on a day basis, voluntary service only.
Samish STR with district warden Harry Osborne in Sedro Woolly
Butler Hill from the south