So let’s take a journey similar to how we did in order to work on this beautiful project. Here is a far off view from the lookout tower from the trail head camp site. This is about 1.5 miles of hiking while climbing 1,200 feet in elevation to the lookout tower with its elevation at 5,685 feet above sea level.

Located on the Saw Tooth Ridge, the building is one of three remaining fire lookouts in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Our work was to assess, remove, and secure the structure while windows are out of the building.

Here we are carefully removing the windows from the exterior. The parts are gently removed to gain access to the window sash. Once the window sash are removed, the sash is labelled and packaged. By foot, the window is delivered to the vehicle and ready to head to our shop for extensive restoration.

Mount Rainier National Park is the massive mountain peak straight ahead. The cliff is a vertical drop of 600 feet. Weather is a major factor in what work can be performed and the very short working season plays a major role in planning and preparation.

Angle braces are installed and the building “wrapped” to reduce wind and water infiltration to weather one year until the structure is fully deconstructed.

Storm shutters and plywood that existed was re-installed and fastened to prevent further damage to the lookout while the structure waits to be deconstructed.

And now as we leave we take one last view of the Saw Tooth Ridge. The structure is only accessible by a hiking trail. Every trip has to be carefully planned due to its’ very remote location. The nearest hardware store or hospital is roughly a two hour drive to any form of civilization. 

Along with watch tower restoration and back country preservation and documentation, our business covers every aspect of wood windows from repair, new wood windows, wooden screens, exterior facade woodworking and so much in between. Contact Vintage Window Restoration for all of your watch tower preservation needs.