Shriner Peak Fire Lookout

Shriner Peak Fire Lookout

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

The Shriner Peak Fire Lookout is located in the southeast corner of the park, accessible via the Shriner Peak Trailhead on SR 123, 3.5 miles north of the Stevens Canyon Entrance.

Significance:

Historic Structure

Designation:

Contributes to the Mount Rainier National Historic Landmark District

Built in 1932, the Shriner Peak Fire Lookout is a historic structure located within the Mount Rainier National Historic Landmark District. One of four lookouts remaining in the park, it helped protect the park and surrounding national forests from fire.

Shriner Peak Fire Lookout saw a great deal of activity in July 1934 when a large fire burned 630 acres of park land. This historic lookout was used by firewatchers to spot smoke and lightning strikes and report them by telephone. After World War II, aerial surveillance became the primary mode of fire-spotting. These lookouts, fully equipped for fire detection, are still used occasionally.

Hike to Shriner Peak Fire Lookout and enjoy panoramic views from the top of Mount Rainier, Ohanapecosh Valley, and the Cascade Range. The lookout is not open to the public for overnight stays but there is a wilderness campsite immediately south of it.