Heritage Resources: Fire lookout towers are perhaps the best-known of the Forest Service's historic structures. They come in a variety of styles from ground cabins to small cabs atop 70-foot steel towers. Some are accessible only by foot or snowmobiles in the winter. All are situated atop mountains where they have a clear view of their surroundings. The majority of rental properties are surplus ranger stations, rustic frame or log buildings located by themselves or in small compounds in wooded settings through the national forests. All are accessible by car. Most lookouts and ranger stations were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

How to Use This Tool
Visitors sleep, cook meals and eat in the buildings. A few have interpretive displays and information for visitors. Fire lookouts may have original fire-finding equipment and visitor logs in which people may record their thoughts and experiences. The primary experience sought by visitors is overnight recreation in a natural setting. Some visitors seek aesthetic, spiritual, and historic connections provided by properties located in remote, scenic areas.

Limitations
The properties are rustic and primitive. Most do not have interpretive materials on the history of the area, the US Forest Service, or the buildings themselves. Commercial partnerships and private investment opportunities are just now being explored. Health and safety factors (real and perceived) seriously limit the use of many historic buildings in some areas.

Contacts
Some properties may be reserved in advance through the national campground reservation system (800-280-2267). Rental fees range from $15 to $30 or more per night. Rental listings are available. Contact the USDA Forest Service Information Center at 202-205-1680 or the nearest USFS office.

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