Calpine Lookout (northwest of Sierraville) was restored and now is available for rent at $45 per night. This lookout was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. It was an active lookout every summer until 1975.
The structure consists of a ground floor room, a middle storeroom and the observation cab/sleeping are on top. The lookout can be rented through the National Recreation Reservation Service – www.reserveusa.com or by calling 877-444-6777. More information is available from the Sierraville Ran...
Calpine Lookout (northwest of Sierraville) was restored and now is available for rent at $45 per night. This lookout was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. It was an active lookout every summer until 1975.
The structure consists of a ground floor room, a middle storeroom and the observation cab/sleeping are on top. The lookout can be rented through the National Recreation Reservation Service – www.reserveusa.com or by calling 877-444-6777. More information is available from the Sierraville Ranger Station, 530-994-3401
History
Towers such as Calpine lookout have been used for many years to spot forest fires. Calpine lookout was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and was an active lookout every summer until 1975. The structure consists of a ground floor storage room, a middle sleeping room and the observation cab on top.
Calpine lookout is an “L-7” or windmill style enclosed tower with a “BC-3” cab and has been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The windmill style of lookout was very popular throughout California, used by the Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and some counties. Calpine lookout is one of 3 windmill style lookouts that remain in the state.
Historically, active lookouts were staffed during fire season by one person trained to spot fires. Searching for fires is an all-day and sometimes all night, seven day per week job. Since 1975 Calpine lookout has had limited use, mostly during times of summer lightning activity.
