Rushing Mountain became a fire detection site in 1921. Written on the tower's concrete steps: "June 31". The tower (an Aermotor Company product) was erected by the State. The cab modification date is unknown but most Aermotor revisions occurred around 1960.

The CCCs constructed the residence and garage. The house is based on the Forest Service's BC-201 plan; however, the front entry has been altered. BC-201 buildings have a "wing pattern," i.e. the bedroom and porch ends of the house are narrower than the central kitchen/office area. The east end has been enlarged to the full 19' width. This modification may have been done in 1970 when these facilities were rented out on a year round basis (State building codes required a larger space for rental units). Other revisions include: vinyl tile flooring, sheet rock on the walls and ceiling, 1/1 aluminum sliders, and new roofing.

The rounded peak was know as "Big Hill" prior to the lookout's founding. Rushing was a local, pioneer ranching family. The mountain is covered in oak woodland, with a scattering of brush. The rocky summit is a favorite home for "buzz worms." There are several radio vaults and towers here. The site is not open to the public, being 2 miles from paved road. (MVT 10/91)