SISKIYOU COUNTY

LAKE MOUNTAIN

Klamath National Forest
45N-11W-17

September 5, 1912:  "A 600 acre fire was reported in Horse Creek.  It was an incendiary fire, with 12 separate sets.  The fire was discovered by Lake Mountain lookout."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol.2 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

September 26, 1912:  "Ass't Ranger J.B. Johnston was authorized funds to finish the Lake Mountain Lookout Station."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol.2 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

September 14, 1928:  "(Gus Kehrer Diary)  Went to Lake Mountain Lookout to replace Fridley who had a bad leg.  Got two shots at a buck at the Spring on the 15th, missed.  Thunderstorm on the 16th, reported 5 fires.  My brother Joe arrived on the 17th to hunt.  Gathered Foxtail Pine seed on the 18th to be shipped to France."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol.3 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

September 20, 1928:  "(Gus Kehrer Diary)  Severe wind at Lake Mt. Lookout.  Blew gas cans away.  Chipmunks kept me busy chasing them away from the Foxtail pine cones I had spread out to dry."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol.3 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

May 16, 1932:  "(Hill Diary)  John and I started maintaining Lake Mt. telephone line.  Continued next day with George Skillen and finished up to lookout.  Four feet of snow on top.  Someone had tried to get into the lookout during the winter.  Pry marks on door."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol.4

September 19, 1933:  "(Hill Diary)  Up at 6:30 A.M. to help Walter Gillis pack lumber and material for loading mules to take the stuff to Lake Mountain Lookout.  (A new standard lookout cab was to be built on the old stone building constructed in 1912)."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol. 4 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

September 20, 1933:  "(Hill Diary)  Took four CCC boys and cleaned out Lake Mountain trail so pack mules could get through with long lumber."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol. 4 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

October 31, 1933:  "New Lookout house already completed on Lake Mountain."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol.4 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

May 21, 1934:  "(Hill Diary)  John and I leave for Lake Mt., working telephone line.  Arrived at Lookout late in P.M.  Someone had broken lock and damaged door jamb.  Overnight at the Lookout.  While working line the next day, drove climbing spur into calf of leg.  Dr. says two days off after dressing the puncture, but I stayed in office anyway."  (Chronological History of the Klamath National Forest, Vol. 4 - Compiled by R. Bower, USFS Retired)

2014:   The lookout was wrapped in flame retardant foil when threatened by the advancing Happy Camp Complex.

September 8, 2014:   The long time lookout for the Klamath National Forest on the Lake Mountain Lookout, Nancy Hood, lost her home to the Happy Camp Complex.  The loss was complete, and numerous efforts are underway to collect donations to help Nancy.

National Geodetic Survey

DESIGNATION - LAKE MTN LOOKOUT HOUSE
PID - MX1140
STATE/COUNTY- CA/SISKIYOU
COUNTRY - US
USGS QUAD - GRIDER VALLEY (1981)

STATION DESCRIPTION

DESCRIBED BY COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1952 (WRH)
THE STATION IS LOCATED ABOUT 18 MILES AIRLINE WEST NORTHWEST
OF FORT JONES, 13 MILES AIRLINE EAST SOUTHEAST OF HAPPY CAMP,
AND 8-1/2 MILES AIRLINE SOUTHWEST OF THE POST OFFICE AT
HORSE CREEK, ON THE HIGHEST PART OF LAKE MOUNTAIN.

THE LOOKOUT HOUSE IS A STANDARD U.S. FOREST SERVICE LOOKOUT
HOUSE WHICH IS ABOUT 14 FEET SQUARE AND IS AN INCLOSED TWO
STORY BUILDING ABOUT 30 FEET HIGH. THE CENTER OF THE HOUSE
WAS INTERSECTED.