Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout

Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Tolmie Peak is located in the northwest corner of the park, accessible via Mowich Lake Road.

Season: Summer (July – September)

The Mowich Lake area is generally open mid-July to mid-October, accessible via SR 165. The Mowich Lake Road is unpaved after the first three miles and may be rough. Tolmie Peak Trail is located approximately 17 miles in on the left side near the lake.

Built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Tolmie 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.

The Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout has one of the best panoramic views of Mount Rainier available in the park. It also has views of Mount St. Helens to the south, the Olympic Mountains to the west, and Mount Baker to the north.

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.

The highest peak on this ridge was named after botanist Doctor William Tolmie. In 1833, at the age of 21, Doctor Tolmie and 5 indigenous guides traveled towards to Mount Rainier to explore and gather medicinal plants. By the fifth day of their journey, the six men climbed a peak which was believed to be this one but was probably Hessong Rock in Spray Park.