How to camp in a wildfire lookout tower
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Sunset from the Thompson Peak fire watch tower near Superior, Montana. It's one of many sites available to reserve throughout states including California. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios
If you want a million-dollar view for less than $100 a night, one option rises above the rest: camping in a wildfire lookout tower.
The big picture: The U.S. Forest Service rents dozens of its old, remote fire lookouts now that infrared tools and aircraft have replaced human eyes in most areas.
- The "cabins" are like mountain lighthouses, designed for 360° views from high peaks.
Driving the news: Some of the lookouts' fall and winter reservations open up today, so hop online pronto if you want a chance to stay there.
Catch-up quick: Foresters built about 5,000 watch stations around the western states after massive wildfires in 1910 consumed about 20 million acres and killed more than 80 people in Montana and Idaho.
- Before that, there wasn't a coordinated wildfire alert system.
By the numbers: As of 2019, about 300 were still staffed, mostly by volunteers who regularly scan the landscape and sound the alarm as needed.
- Now about 75 "retired" lookouts are available for tourists to rent in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
Zoom in: My family spent the 4th at Thompson Peak, Montana, marveling at the scenery — and, at night, the stars.
How it works: Like many sought-after Recreation.gov reservations, the lookouts aren't easily searchable (thanks, Booz Allen) — but explore the options, filtering for cabins and lookouts.
- Keep an eye on the individual site you're interested in, and mark your calendar for the date reservations become available. They get snapped up quickly.
The fine print: Check the tower's page to learn about parking, guest capacity, cell service, electricity and water — and how you get up there.
- Some are built on the ground; others are on rocks or at the top of a lot of stairs.
- Prices range from $30 to $100 per night.
Worth your time: To get inspired, check out modern fire watch workers on TikTok, where they discuss the job, navigational tools like the mapping device shown above — and what it's like to live alone in the woods for months on end.
What's next: About a dozen have reservations opening up this morning, including ones near Tahoe, California; Evergreen, Colorado; and Mt. Hood, Oregon.