Steliko Lookout Rental Soon Available

Entiat, WA — Nestle into your sleeping bag at the top of a mountain, wake up to a fantastic sunrise, enjoy a spectacular sunset, watch chipmunks scamper around and birds fly by, all experiences that will soon become available to individuals renting the Steliko Lookout on the Entiat Ranger District. The lookout will be offered for rent starting November 7.

“During the past year we have been working with volunteers to remodel the lookout so that it would be available for rent,” said Entiat District Recreation Natural Resource Specialist Jon Meier. “We replaced the flooring, painted the interior and exterior, installed a new door, replaced the windows and siding, built new beds, and updated the small kitchen area.”

The Steliko Lookout was built in 1947 on top of Steliko Point, about 12 miles northwest of the town of Entiat. It had been in use until the mid-1990s, and intermittently since then. With modern means of locating wildfires, such as aerial observation and satellite technology, it no longer needs to be staffed as a fire lookout.

“We are excited to provide the lookout as an overnight rental opportunity. Whether you hang out and relax at the lookout all day or do one of the many adjacent activities, such as hike or bike the Steliko Ridge Trail or explore nearby roads, you’re bound to have a great time, who knows you may even spot a fire,” Meier said.

The lookout can be accessed by a high clearance car, preferably a SUV or 4-wheel drive, during the summer and fall; during the winter and spring the road leading to the lookout is gated closed. “It is a year-round opportunity for folks to enjoy a part of Forest Service history,” Meier said. “In the winter people will need to walk, cross-country ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe the 1.6 miles from the Steliko Work Center to the lookout.”

Currently, the lookout is available for a donation of $50 per night. Donations will directly fund the maintenance and upkeep of the lookout. The lookout accommodates four people and no pets are allowed inside the lookout to allow those with allergies to enjoy the lookout as well. Contact the Entiat Ranger Station at 509-784-4700 to make a reservation or get additional information.

“The lookout was remodeled into a recreation rental to provide a unique overnight opportunity that the public can enjoy. Lookout towers are iconic structures that will always be linked to Forest Service history. Providing this lookout for public use allows visitors to tap into that history, enjoy amazing views, and help connect people to the wonders of nature,” Meier added.

Newly remodeled Steliko Lookout with a fresh coat of brown paint, new windows, new siding, new wooden door and new beds. Credit: USDA Forest Service/Jon Meier

Part of the view from Steliko Lookout. Credit: USDA Forest Service/Jon Meier

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