The lookout was fly infested. Windows on all four sides which can be opened but no screens to keep bugs out. Unfortunately, the temperatures were running 10+ degrees above normal and with the lookout in full sun the shelter was very hot inside. We opened most of the windows to get some air flow and provide the flies with an opportunity to escape. Very few did. Outside we had clouds of mosquitos, so it was a tradeoff between flies and mosquitos. We waited until the sun went down below the horizon, closed all the windows and tried to eliminate as many flies as possible. That made the night's sleep tolerable. Otherwise, nice lookout. The spring about 20 to 30 minutes down the trail towards the Sutton Saddle is likely seasonal. I would not count on it later in the summer.

The trail to the lookout is beautiful (via FS 494 (Sutton Ridge Rd). I have heard that the lookout will be undergoing restoration soon and this couldn’t come soon enough. It is adorable but in very poor condition with windows that are falling apart and a front door that barely opens. There are gaps in so many places that let in the flies, mosquitos, and bees. I’m not sure it should even be rented by the FS in this condition.