Lookout Details

Registry Numbers	US 1517, CA 226 (view other lookouts in United States, California)
Date Registered	October 7, 2021
Nominated by	Brad Eells
Location	Sequoia National Park Tulare County, California
Coordinates	N 36° 29.181' W 118° 46.847' (view using Google Maps) N 36° 29' 11" W 118° 46' 51" N 36.486346° W 118.780789°
Elevation	6,250 ft (1,905 m)
Built	1964
Administered by	National Park Service

Description

Located on the north end of Milk Ranch Peak, the all steel CL-100 plan 13x13 cabin on a 20 foot K-Brace open steel tower was constructed in 1964.

The new lookout replaced an earlier structure built as early as 1927.

Bob Roberts and Rose Vaughn served as long time lookouts in the 1930's through the 50's.

Milk Ranch Peak was last staffed in 1996 but remained in remarkable condition, ready to serve in emergency use.

The lookout and communications infrastructure was damaged in a burnover early during Paradise Fire that began September 10, 2021. The condition of the structure is still being evaluated as of October 2021.

The Paradise Fire combined with the Colony Fire to the north to become the KNP Complex Fire.

National Park Service employees removed and preserved the Osborne Fire-Finder.

Photos

Cabin Detail - courtesy of Rene' Ardesch

Osborne Fire-Finder in cabin interior

Interior view - courtesy of Rene' Ardesch

1967 - courtesy of the National Park Service

1967 - Great Western Divide View - courtesy of the National Park Service

Paradise Fire aftermath at the lookout site - courtesy of the National Park Service

Post Paradise Fire inspection - courtesy of the National Park Service

Paradise Fire shortly after lightning caused ignition - Milk Ranch Peak far right - courtesy of Elly Quinn

Rose Vaughn on the original lookout structure - 1943 - courtesy of the National Park Service

Rose Vaughn at work - courtesy of the National Park Service

Bob Roberts with the Fire-Finder - 1940's - courtesy of the National Park Service

1959 - courtesy of the Tulare County Library