Keller
Peak Lookout Photos
by Lee Reeder
These
photos were taken Sept. 27, 2006 at Keller Peak fire lookout tower between
Running Springs and Snow Valley in the San Bernardino Mountains. Constructed
in 1926, the Keller Peak tower was the first lookout registered in California.
If you don't think you're afraid of heights, you might change your mind
on the stairway to the tower, especially on the way down. For more info
on this tower and the lookouts, go to http://www.sbnfa.org/
lee@1000wordsphotos.com
The Osborne Fire Finder (shown here) is a device used by Fire Lookouts in order to triangulate the compass azimuth of smoke in order to alert fire crews to the a starting wildland fire. The device was invented by W.B. Osborne, a United States Forest Service employee and has been in service since 1920. Many were manufactured from 1920 through 1935 but after 1975, the manufacturer Leupold & Steven, Inc. stopped production of replacement parts. With the resurgance and recovery of fire lookout towers, new Osborne devices were needed. The U.S. Forest Service, San Dimas Technology and Development Center (SDTDC) was contacted regarding the deteriorating condition of the Osborne Fire Finders housed in fire lookouts throughout the United States. A pilot program to create new Osbornes was coordinated with manufacturer, Palmquist Tooling, Inc. and now Osborne Fire Finders are available again.
This is the southwestern angle looking toward Saddleback Mountain in the distance. The little tower in the foreground is a model, of course.
Two hummingbirds came in for a landing on the front deck of the tower in this shot.
This is more toward the west-southwest, looking over a good portion of the Inland Empire.
A view from the inside looking toward the west.
This is a view from behind the tower looking to the southwest.
Volunteers were painting the 80-year-old tower today.
This view is looking about straight west over Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and to the San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.
This is a view toward the southwest from the west side of the tower
Another view that is more to the south-southwest.