(Redlands, CA)-The San Bernardino National Forest Association (SBNFA)
announced this week the year-round opening of historic Morton Peak Fire
Lookout to the public for overnight stays. At 4624' above sea level,
Morton Peak offers incredible 360-degree views of the San Bernardino
Mountains, Santa Ana River Valley, and Inland Empire communities and
deserts. This working lookout, which is staffed by volunteers, is
located
about ten miles from Interstate 10, yet seems to be worlds away.
Visitors
who spend the night can expect a truly unique forest experience that
will
take them back in time.
Overnight guests will be treated to a self-guided interpretive
experience in which they learn about the history of the lookout, the
role
that lookouts play in spotting fires today and years ago, and stories
from
people who staffed this lookout.
Guests need to be prepared to enjoy their "camp in," bringing
everything except the tent and bed. Perched atop a 30-foot tower, the
lookout provides a 14X14 room with windows on all four sides, two
side-by-side twin beds, and an observation deck that surrounds the
cabin.
Down below there is a composting outhouse and picnic table. Guests need to
bring their own water, sleeping bags, food, flashlight or lantern, camp
games or cards, binoculars, and whatever else they desire for their
comfort. Gas stoves are allowed for cooking; no charcoal BBQ's or
campfires are allowed. Access is via a Forest Service road. It takes
an assertive two-wheel driver, but 4x4 is best to access.
In 2001, volunteer Fire Lookout Hosts, who staff and maintain a
total
of seven fire lookouts in the San Bernardino National Forest, restored
the
Morton Peak lookout, which was slated for demolition. All the windows
were
gone, stairs were missing, the roof needed repairs, the cab floor had
holes, and the walls were riddled with bullet holes. With the help of
Forest Service firefighters and funds from the Bureau of Indian Affairs,
the volunteers restored the lookout and have been staffing it ever
since.
Proceeds from the Overnight Lookout Program will be reinvested in maintaining the seven working lookouts and the volunteer corps that
operates them. The SBNFA operates the Lookout Program under permit to
the
USDA Forest Service.
"We have about 300 volunteers who contribute 14,000 hours each
year
standing watch in lookouts and helping to maintain them," said George
Morey, Fire Lookout Coordinator, who oversees the Lookout Program.
"Every
year they call in several first reports of smoke and assist the Forest
Service in verifying and locating many others. This program will help
generate the revenue we need to operate the volunteer program and
maintain
the lookouts. Plus, it offers a really unique way for people to get
away
and connect with the Forest."
He added that star-watchers would enjoy the view on no moon nights
while full moon nights offer spectacular views of the mountains.
Reservations are managed through The Big Bear Resort Association
Reservations at 800-4-BIG-BEAR (1-800-424-4232). Costs for the
overnight
experience are $75 on weekdays and $85 on weekends and holidays. The
season for overnight is year-round, weather and fire permitting.
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