The last Flattop Lookout was built in 1946. It was a one-of-a-kind frame two-story prototype with windows that slanted outward to cut the sun’s glare, similar to an airport control tower. But the unique design turned out to be too labor intensive and costly, and no more were built. Two other Posts tell the story of the re-location of the upper story lookout to the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center and the later move of the ground level garage to Dick Morrison’s place. I have recently been reading the past issues of the FFLA’s newsletter, LOOKOUT NETWORK, and found there that these movements were just the last acts in the FFLA’s 15+ year battle to save this lookout from destruction. It was almost destroyed at least once and there were a number of failed proposals for re-locating and restoring the 2-story lookout, both atop Flattop and at other locations, before the two parts of the lookout reached their current home. The story can best be told by the following LOOKOUT NETWORK articles.
Volume 6 – Number 2 ~ May, 1995 FLATTOP LO’s unique two story building looks a lot like an airport control tower. It is the only one like it anywhere. It’s been abandoned for thirty years and nobody seems to know who actually owns it. USFS says it might belong to DNR. DNR says it might be theirs. In any event, isn’t there someone around Trout Lake or Glenwood or Huson who would like to see it preserved? It’s sitting on thin ice…
Volume 7- Number 4 ~ Fall, 1996 Flattop Lookout near Trout Lake came close to being lost to an eager ATT crew who want to put an antenna dish right where it sits. Ray Kresek and Keith Argow intervened, since up to that point, apparently neither the Forest Service or the Washington Department of Natural Resources knew exactly who owned the land the lookout is on. Yet the DNR was all ready to lease it to ATT! One DNR employee’s comment was, “…if it burns down tonight, we wouldn’t have to worry tomorrow, would we?” Ray and Keith have made a commitment toward refurbishing Flattop if whichever agency is the owner will give a year.
Volume 8 – Number 2 ~ Spring, 1997 FLATTOP LOOKOUT – After timely intervention, it appears that Flattop Lookout (NHLR#188 WA#23) near Trout Lake will be saved. Plans are underway toward the relocation and full restoration of this one of a kind lookout structure. The 50-year old lookout belongs to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, but sits 40 feet across the line on Washington Department of Natural Resources land. The DNR has made a decision to lease out as a communications site the spot where the lookout currently sits. The Washington Chapter of the FFLA is working with the Gifford Pichot officials to raise and move the lookout a quarter mile west to the site of the original lookout. Once the lookout is moved, total restoration is being planned using FFLA members and local residents that are interested in saving this unique structure. The moving project is expected to take place sometime in July. Contact Ray Kresek.
Volume 9 – Number 3 ~ Summer, 1998 After 2 years of negotiations with the USFS and DNR, Mt. Adams District Ranger Greg Cox has offered to dedicate $5000 in funds toward the restoration of the unique two-story lookout at Flattop. Built in 1946 as the prototype of what all post-war FS lookouts might have been, with inward sloping windows and rounded roof dormer vents and garage beneath. It turned out this was the only one built. Today it is in very poor condition inside and out, but not beyond repair. Funding is contingent upon the FFLA being able to match that amount in volunteer labor and donated glass, roofing, and/or paint for the project. We are hoping to make it happen in 1999 as a Passport in Time project with FFLA members providing much of the labor. If you can help, please contact Ray Kresek. We especially need someone who can lead the job on-site.
Volume 9 – Number 4 ~ Autumn, 1998 FLATTOP The Gifford Pinchot NF Supervisor has tossed a monkey wrench into the hopes of restoring the one-of-a-kind lookout structure on its mountaintop. Although it could become the most popular of all in the Lookout Rental Program, for some reason it is thought that it has no view (It’s 12 miles from the summit of the Northwest’s second tallest volcano, Mount Adams)! We’re working on him from other angles learned at the FFL California Conference. $5000 In-Kind had been promised from the District Ranger.
Volume 10 – Number 1 ~ Winter, 1999 The Flattop Lookout saga continues! Chairman Keith Argow is working with DNR’s Deputy Commissioner to arrange an agreement to leave the unique two-story structure where it is and have it fully restored as an historic landmark. A thorough assessment by FFLA member Ken Jones reveals that while it looks terrible, it is structurally solid. A new roof, new windows, some plywood and paint could make it like new again. A DNR thinning job on three acres could restore its superb view of the summit of Mount Adams twelve miles away.
Volume 17 – Number 1 ~ Winter, 2006 Flattop Relocation: Relocation of the unique Flattop Lookout to a knoll overlooking Trout Lake Natural Area with a great view of Mount Adams. In September, FFLA Chairman Keith Argow and members of the local Mount Adams Chapter, headed up by Jim Bull, removed the upper portion of the lookout. It is currently in storage, still loaded on a trailer. It is hoped that the bottom can soon be gotten off the mountain, so chapter members can get started on reconstruction in the low country this spring.
Volume 20- Number 4 ~ Winter, 2009 Flattop Lookout Finally Finds a Home: Flattop Lookout got its start in 1946 with the Gifford Pinchot NF, near Trout Lake within view of Mount Adams. It was a frame two-story prototype with windows that slanted outward to cut the sun’s glare, similar to an airport control tower. But the unique design turned out to be too labor intensive and costly, and no more were built. By 1960, it was abandoned and then stood unused for decades. A variety of restoration proposals in the 1990s were stymied by the fact that it was a Forest Service structure located on State land – an orphan in danger of being torched. Finally in 2005, the FFLA’s Mount Adams local chapter received title to the lookout and Dick Morrison, Keith Argow and others removed the cab off the lower story and hauled it off the mountain. Lady luck was still not on Flattop’s side; several relocation proposals fell through and the dismantled lookout sat on Keith’s trailer for four years.
Meanwhile, the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center near Entiat was proposing to relocate the Badger Lookout cab from the rock bluff on the grounds to a spot near the new visitor center where it would be more accessible, but found it to be cost-prohibitive. Enter the FFLA, and Flattop has a home.
As work started on October 3, Dick Morrison got extra help, thanks to the FFLA conference the week before. In addition to his planned help Stan Whitehouse, FFLA Western Washington Director Forrest Clark and members Laurie Cange and Joe Chessie showed up to lend a hand throughout the project. Others helping included FFLA member Leroy Beckwith, Kinmarie Ryan and the CBFIC crew – Bill Moody (FFLA), Wayne and Rick Long, Tom, Dave Anderson and Dave Spies. By early November, the lookout was closed up and winterized, with work about 85% complete, set to resume in April.
Volume 21- Number 1 ~ Spring, 2010 Work to Continue at CBFIC: Lookout work at Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center will resume in early April. The final count of FFLA volunteer hours on the Flattop Lookout project last fall was: Forrest Clark 109, Dick Morrison 100, Joe Chessie 36, Laurie Cange 33, Leroy Beckworth 16, Stan Whitehouse 16, and Kinmarie Ryan 6 for a grand total of 318 hours.
