Spruce Mtn Fire Lookout Tower

Spruce mountain will always have my heart. We stayed more often when I was a kid and enjoyed lots of good times. After years and years of trying, I got a cancellation spot! My husband and I stayed for two nights and had snow, rain, beautiful skies and we were high enough to be up in the clouds and fog. The snow night was pretty chilly! We didn’t care though because the next morning the sun peeked over Sheep Mountain and the world was clear and beautiful with a fresh snowfall. If you can get a reservation, DO IT. You’ll be hooked.

A simply unique "campsite".

An amazing old structure that if well cared for many of us can all enjoy for years to come. An epic experience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ1YxbIHMm0

The Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower overnight was one of the most epic things my wife and I have done. It is difficult to get a reservation but if you can, the experience is worth it. It is truly camping in the clouds. In the evening we were surrounded by distant thunderstorms followed by amazing rainbows. We had a full moon all night which gave the land below a surreal appearance and in the morning before sunrise there was a heavenly pink glow in every direction.

11/10 great camping spot. Provided address will take you slightly past the road into the tower… it’s about 100-200 yards prior to where maps will take you. Right after the fork in the road. Unless there’s substantial snow build up, you should be able to drive to the site.

I did get the heater working, when lighting pilot you must manually pull it out as it’s gummed up. The refrigerator is not even plumbed in. We cleaned the place a lot better than when we entered and left water in a pump dispenser to rinse your hands. It needs work, and has really gone downhill since our last visit 17 years ago. The Forest Service needs to spend the increased nightly rates to maintain it or it will be lost forever.

Another great trip to the tower, with facilities and views that can't be beat. It was left reasonably clean by the previous users, and has the same bits and pieces that have been left in years past; pots, pans, plates, silverware some basics salt and pepper etc. We left a new bucket for use with the pulley to the top, as we have found that helpful in the past. Always the highlight of our camping season!

Probably one of the best USFS experiences out there. Impossible to book but worth it..

Of the lookout towers that we've visited, this one exceeded expectations. It was in good condition, clean and with great views. It was well equipped but we had our own necessities. The entire stay was great... except for the battalions of mosquitos. Just that time of year. Of note, there were several visitors that stopped at the gate (which we kept locked). Not sure why, unless they wanted to visit an unoccupied lookout, or they wanted cell service. of which we were surprised was satisfactory (AT&T). This is a lookout we would visit again in the future.

As of 6/4/23 you have to walk 0.7 miles (300 feet of elevation gain) to get to the lookout because the last section of road is blocked by 2-3 feet of winter snow. Nice views. One mattress is more comfortable than the other. So fun!