Had a relaxing time with mostly obscured views due to fires but that was OK anyway. I served on this lookout nearly 40 years ago having then never experienced the wind like we had one night of our stay this time. Appreciate the log book and extra amenities such as lanterns and games. Enjoyed hiking the trails below the lookout to enjoy fall colors beginning. And yes, everyone mentions the friendly ground squirrel which fed from my hand & would have come in if allowed. Enjoyed improving the rocky walk-up by rearranging & stabilizing some of the rocks. Beware; one needs to have an agile body, good eyes (and flashlight if arriving after dark) to operate the keypad at the upper gate. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Everything worked as laid out in the instructions. The rocky uphill makes this experience worthwhile but tough to carry heavy ice chest etc. A really vintage facility.

Everything worked as laid out in the instructions. The rocky uphill makes this experience worthwhile but tough to carry heavy ice chest etc. A really vintage facility.

Great place! The stove and lantern worked perfectly. Fairly well stocked with basic kitchen items and things such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Be prepared to hang your food to keep away from critters!

Great place! The stove and lantern worked perfectly. Fairly well stocked with basic kitchen items and things such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies. Be prepared to hang your food to keep away from critters!

Great way to decompress and have a quiet time!

Great way to decompress and have a quiet time!

The Recreation.gov website says that the gate leading up to the lookout is closed from fall to early spring but doesn't include exact dates. Unfortunately the gate was not open when we arrived (despite it being spring) and we were unable to trek the 7 mi to the lookout. We have been before in late fall (Oct. 31st) and the gate was open. It would be so helpful if these gate closure dates were included in the description. Apparently the gate opens May 1st for reference.

The Recreation.gov website says that the gate leading up to the lookout is closed from fall to early spring but doesn't include exact dates. Unfortunately the gate was not open when we arrived (despite it being spring) and we were unable to trek the 7 mi to the lookout. We have been before in late fall (Oct. 31st) and the gate was open. It would be so helpful if these gate closure dates were included in the description. Apparently the gate opens May 1st for reference.

Gate was locked, we were not prepared to hike in 7 mi.