Wolf Point Lookout - Washington Fire Lookouts

Elevation: 2,996 feet
Prominence: 678 feet
Distance: Quarter mile unless trees are cut-out
Elevation Gain: 150 feet

Former Washington Fire Lookouts

From the 29th Annual Report of Washington Forest Fire Association, we learn that in 1935, "A new lookout tower was erected at Wolf Point in Section 5, Township 8, Range 2 East. This is a 30-foot tower, built of untreated Douglas fir poles, set in concrete footings. A 10 x 12 lookout house is also in place. In this project, we received the very generous support and cooperation of Mr. F. C. Baker, logging manager of the Weyerhaeuser Timber Company, who placed at our disposal a bur to build some half miles of road, and also felled a considerable number of snags adjacent to the Wolf Point, which is at an elevation of 3,100 feet." Shortly after construction, the entire mountain was clearcut of timber.

In 1942 the site was used by the Aircraft Warning Service. This lookout was reported to be abandoned in the later 1940s. Historic photos show it still standing in 1960.

From AWS documents in 1942, we learn “the post consists of a very small cab (about 6 x 6) on a 40 foot tower and a 10 x 12 ground cabin. The cab is rather difficult to enter as the door opens on the side of the cab and the ladder is on the outside of the tower. The tower itself does not appear very well braced, although it is well guyed. There is no lightning protection on the tower or the ground cabin. It would be hazardous indeed to remain in the tower during a storm.”

Roads go to within feet of the lookout site but you will need a St. Helens Tree Farm Permit to be legal. Brush and new trees are quickly overgrowing the site.

Wolf Point on the AWS map

1953 map shows the State Forestry Camp just below the summit

Sometime between 2001 and 2005, the second growth forest was harvested. Today the third growth forest is pushing 20 feet in height.

1951 Aerial showing the lookout

AWS stations, Wolfe Point as an exixting station, reconditioned, to retain for the State of Washington, and a 12x20 foot garage was built with AWS funds.

AWS document discussing moving the observer down from the lookout to the Forestry Camp.

A.W.S. observers A.C. Lysons and R.W. Hukill

Wolf Point fire lookout in 1942 was Harry Cobain

All 4 footings remain in original location