CRAWFORD MOUNTAIN
Thurston County - State Division of Forestry - 16N-1W-26
July 29, 1955: "A 45-foot tower is being built on top the Crawford Mountain lookout four miles east of Tenino. A crew from the State Division of Forestry has been engaged in the work for two weeks, according to Jim Pratt, fire warden. The old tower was only 15 feet high, and second growth was obscuring the view. This brings the elevation of the observer to about 1510 feet, and affords a view on a clear day as far north as the Narrows bridge and as far south as Lucas Creek. The observation tower is reached by road that starts from Johnson Creek, and snakes its way up the eastern slope of the mountain.
Stationed in the lofty observation post is Larry Hayes, who has been scanning the wide horizon in search of smoke signal of forest destruction. So far this season, due to the humidity, no fire of consequence has been reported. The crews have been working in the timber without interruption, and with the rains of this week, it looks favorable for continued operations." (The Daily Chronicle)
Stationed in the lofty observation post is Larry Hayes, who has been scanning the wide horizon in search of smoke signal of forest destruction. So far this season, due to the humidity, no fire of consequence has been reported. The crews have been working in the timber without interruption, and with the rains of this week, it looks favorable for continued operations." (The Daily Chronicle)
1955: "A standard lookout station consisting of a forty foot tower mounted by a 14'x14' cabin on top was constructed on Crawford Mountain in Thurston County. The cabin is of the new design developed by the Division of Forestry, are built of plywood and glass with an aluminum roof which overhangs the building to act as a sun shade." (Biennial Report of the Forestry Division)
July 29, 1969: "Construction is virtually complete on a Northern Pacific Railway microwave relay facility two miles east of here near the site of the former Crawford Mountain lookout.
A spokesman for the NP in Seattle said arrangements are being made to get power to the site.
The buildings size and its estimated cost were not available. Doing the work is the Collins Radio Corp., Dallas, Tex.
The new facility is being built to up grade NP's Portland microwave system. NP will lease the property from the state.
The Crawford Mountain lookout station has been torn down as part of a Department of Natural Resources program to replace lookout fire watch with aerial detection." (The Daily Chronicle)
Removed