Stahl Mountain Lookout Site - Mineral Washington

Lookout elevation: 3,716 feet
Elevation gain: 180 feet
Distance: 0.75 miles one-way
Access: Gravel and bumpy road, most vehicles if driven slowly

In 1933 an L-4 cab was built. The 1934 panoramic photos show what looks like a weather gage, some guy lines and images taken 15 feet above ground. Based on all the original timber around the lookout (and maps) there was no road, just trail to access. The lookout was gone by 1956.

WillhiteWeb.com

February 1934: Did you ever see a telephone line, sliding? Foreman McCray and CCC crew completed Stahl Mountain telephone line January 15. Good work boys! Incidentally, the boys experienced many handicaps while working this job. For instance - upon returning from lunch one day, they discovered that during their absence, a slide had carried away about 1/4 mile of their telephone line as well as the trail. McCray has had dreams like this, so a couple of the boys had to pinch him hard to convince him that the line had really gone for a one-way ride. H.E. Peters (Six Twenty-Six)

From Highway 7, turnoff for FR 74. Follow to the Y at the youth camp, go left and follow to first major hairpin turn of road. Take the FR 7409 for 7 miles. This road is rocky and bumpy at times. I believe with care, most vehicles should be able to drive this road if conditions are dry. Depending on road brushing year to year, some sections could pinstripe your car. There are a few roads that branch off but the main line should be easy to follow if you have the map.

The unsigned trail is hard to find at first but once in the forest, you should be fine finding the trail. The tread is holding pretty good for how long it has been abandoned. The trail gets occasionally cleared of fallen trees so it is pretty easy to spot. The last switchback needs new tread and can be hard to spot.