Bishop Mountain Fire Lookout Tower

The Island Park Caldera contains wonderful historic sites. Last week Sheri and I had the opportunity to accompany Liz Davy of the Forest Service to the Bishop Mountain fire lookout tower complex. As we drove up the mountain, Liz explained that the 72 foot tall steel watchtower with accompanying log cabin and garage was constructed between 1936 and 1938 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Its view of the entire caldera gave Forest Service employees an excellent vantage point to detect fires but with the advent of new technology, fire spotters became unnecessary. The complex is listed on the National Historic Registry and continues to be maintained by the Forest Service.

Sheri and I had visited the site several times before but never had access to the buildings. Arriving at our destination, Liz unlocked the cabin and we walked into a single room cabin containing two sets of bunk beds, a cook stove and a small table. It was like stepping into a time capsule as the sparse interior appeared unchanged for almost 80 years. It is in good repair and can be rented from the Forest Service for $30.00 per night. There is no water on site and the restroom facility is of the outhouse variety.

The obvious crown jewel of the site is the tower. A small windowed room sits atop a geometric silver girder base. Flights of stairs zig-zag within the structure to the top of the tower however the base is fenced off and access is not allowed. Despite my impassioned pleas, Liz would not let me climb the tower. Sheri was relieved at her refusal.

Bishop Mountain is worth a visit. The views from the site are remarkable. Bishop Mountain is accessed by turning west on North Antelope Flat Road (South of Harriman), driving 17.5 miles  and turning right on Bishop Mountain Road (FS 120). Five and a half miles later, you arrive at the end of the road and the tower. Take an afternoon and visit this lesser known gem of the caldera.