In 1976 the R-6 flattop cab with catwalk on a 10’ concrete base became the new Patrick’s Knob Lookout on the Lolo National Forest. It replaced a 20’ pole tower with L-4 cab which has served since 1934 until condemned. For a few years a mobile lookout trailer was used until the new tower was built. Patrick's Knob was named for John W. Patrick, who was the third white man to arrive and settle in the Plains Valley, in 1869. He later ran a ferry boat across the Clark Fork River at Plains. Someone remarked to him that "Yonder mountain seems to be very high," and his answer was, "Oh, that's only a little knob." Thus, "Patrick's Knob", or "Pat's Knob", as it is commonly referred to. Pat's Knob overlooks Plains and the Clark Fork and lower Flathead River drainages. The lookout is still regularly staffed during fire season.