{Mt Pilchuck Lookout Tower}
{Mt Pilchuck Lookout Tower}
These great photos of the Washington State fire lookout towers were taken by Kyle Johnson. He captured and documented his experiences beautifully while on his many hikes to the different lookout towers.
Bill asked Kyle if he has a favorite lookout tower,
“I would say Mt. Pilchuck has been my favorite thus far. I still need to get to Three Fingers which appear to be the most amazing/difficult to climb.”
Kyle Johnson is a freelance editorial and advertising photographer. His photos are not limited to one particular area. To see additional photos from this project and his other works,
click here….
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During the early 1900’s fire lookout towers were vital to help in identifying fires in the area. Currently there are approximately 87 of about 600 original towers remaining in Washington State. But only 30 are still in use for firefighting and maintained by the Forest Service Ranger and volunteers.
For many hikers this is the destination, and to be rewarded with incredible views such as this.
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{Granite Mountain Fire Lookout Tower}
Years ago Bill had the pleasure of volunteering for the U.S. Forest Service for a summer. One assignment was to carry four gallons of paint in his backpack to the lookout tower at the top of Granite Mountain. The tower takes a beating from the weather, and it was time to give it a new coat of paint that summer . This assignment meant carrying a backpack that weighed over 70 pounds on dry trail that is a tough climb of four miles each way. It so happened to have also been the hottest day of the year, reaching into the mid 90’s. Bill started out very early in the day, and it was a rigorous climb, but was rewarded with a mountain top unlike any he had ever seen, one covered with granite as if a garden of stone. And the view was breathtaking, being able to see in every direction for miles and miles.
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On hikes to these lookout towers, Kyle photographed many hikers he met along the way.
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Some lookout towers have beds and stoves available for an overnight stay.
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{Suntop Lookout Tower}
Thank you Kyle for sharing your experiences and beautiful photos with us.
{KJ Photography}
More information about lookout towers: Washington Trails Associations, Fire Lookout Towers – USDA Forest Services, find a cabin
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posted by: Bill & Kay
Thanks for this post that reminds me of lookout towers. These photos are breathtaking and capture the magnificent views from a lookout. We’ve been to a few here in Idaho and thought the views are different, they too are beautiful.
Idaho is a beautiful state. We usually travel through the southern part of Idaho, but a few years ago we drove through the northern area of the state through Coeur d’ Alene…. another beautiful place! Have a wonderful weekend Lori!
Beautiful photos of the firefighter’s lookout towers… I have never been a hiker, but I would love the views from the towers.
Judith
Kyle took great photos. I like the picture with the hiker looking from the tower to see the clouds below, amazing view! Thank you for stopping by Judith.