Mestaa’ėhehe Mountain Fire Lookout

It’s not clear that the top can only be accessed by going outside/ ALLLLLL the way around the fire tower, we assumed stairs/ ladder was internal. Also expect hiking parties to walk right up the fire tower with you in it. All trails website (and likely others) points people to this easy hike/ beautiful views. More signage at the trailhead & base of tower might help this. Or keep the trap door to the top closed & latched!

It’s not clear that the top can only be accessed by going outside/ ALLLLLL the way around the fire tower, we assumed stairs/ ladder was internal. Also expect hiking parties to walk right up the fire tower with you in it. All trails website (and likely others) points people to this easy hike/ beautiful views. More signage at the trailhead & base of tower might help this. Or keep the trap door to the top closed & latched!

This is a one of a kind experience. The 360 degree panoramic views are stunning. If you are staying in the winter months make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a sleeping bag. The lower room is warm but the upper room with all of the windows can get a little chilly over night. If you can ride out the cold, the views of the ranges to the West/North and the city to the East make it more than worth staying on the upper floor and looking out at the moon and stars.

This is a one of a kind experience. The 360 degree panoramic views are stunning. If you are staying in the winter months make sure you have plenty of warm clothes and a sleeping bag. The lower room is warm but the upper room with all of the windows can get a little chilly over night. If you can ride out the cold, the views of the ranges to the West/North and the city to the East make it more than worth staying on the upper floor and looking out at the moon and stars.

The 1 mile hike is challenging for those not acclimated to the elevation. The view was magnificent!!!! and well worth the 1 hour 1 mile hike!!

The 1 mile hike is challenging for those not acclimated to the elevation. The view was magnificent!!!! and well worth the 1 hour 1 mile hike!!

Amazing experience! We brought our two young kids and had a stay unlike any other. Views are mind blowing! Parking area is close enough to keep a supply of "just in case" items, although the trek up the hill with weight at that elevation is strenuous. Two of three heaters didn't work upon arrival and the third one stopped working on the second day. Luckily we had a spare space heater in the truck and we left it in the tower for the next guests. The top and bottom sections are separate with no internal stairs. You can fit two cots in the upper area along with the existing beds. Bring your own toilet paper and don't leave it on the floor of the outhouse, the mice will shred it. The hikers are like zombies, they will slowly wander up the hill and try to take over the place, even though there are 4 signs saying facilities are for renter use only. Disrespectful hikers can be kept off the deck by latching the gate closed at the top of the stairs. One guy climbed the steps and was pushing on the latched gate trying to get up calling out, "knock knock!" We thoroughly cleaned the entire place and then forgot about our food leftovers in the fridge, sorry! What an amazing place, thank you Forest Service for maintaining it and making it accessible for overnight stays!

Amazing experience! We brought our two young kids and had a stay unlike any other. Views are mind blowing! Parking area is close enough to keep a supply of "just in case" items, although the trek up the hill with weight at that elevation is strenuous. Two of three heaters didn't work upon arrival and the third one stopped working on the second day. Luckily we had a spare space heater in the truck and we left it in the tower for the next guests. The top and bottom sections are separate with no internal stairs. You can fit two cots in the upper area along with the existing beds. Bring your own toilet paper and don't leave it on the floor of the outhouse, the mice will shred it. The hikers are like zombies, they will slowly wander up the hill and try to take over the place, even though there are 4 signs saying facilities are for renter use only. Disrespectful hikers can be kept off the deck by latching the gate closed at the top of the stairs. One guy climbed the steps and was pushing on the latched gate trying to get up calling out, "knock knock!" We thoroughly cleaned the entire place and then forgot about our food leftovers in the fridge, sorry! What an amazing place, thank you Forest Service for maintaining it and making it accessible for overnight stays!