The 809R lookout station design is believed to be exclusive to CDF. The subject facility has undergone few changes since its construction. Working plans were not located for this specific building but the structure conforms to the standard (revised) 809R working plan. The exceptions are: steel fire escape ladder with steel trap door through the catwalk (located on the north side of the tower), aluminum siding, composition roofing and the traditional wooden, hinged garage doors have been removed from the protruding entry annex. Like its peers, the cab's windows are set on an angle and steel columns (mullions) are in place for added structural strength. There are only six (6) late style 30' 809R towers in existence.

Red Mountain is a broad, north-south tending ridge located within the Six Rivers National Forest. The area around the fire lookout is covered with low growing brush and small, regrowth pine and fir. The site is accessible to the public, being some 6 miles from the nearest paved roads. The multi-use nature of this location ( several communications vaults, radio towers and microwave facilities) are the only significant detractors from the overall integrity of this property. (MVT)

Red Mountain is staffed during the fire season.