Milk Ranch Peak Lookout
Registry Numbers | US 2071, CA 164 (view other lookout sites in United States, California) |
Date Registered | October 3, 2021 |
Nominated by | Brad Eells |
Location |
Sequoia National Park Tulare County, California |
Coordinates |
N 36° 29.181' W 118° 46.848' (view using Google Maps) N 36° 29' 11" W 118° 46' 51" N 36.486345° W 118.780792° |
Elevation | 6,250 ft (1,905 m) |
Built | 1964 |
Removed | 2021 |
Administered by | National Park Service |
Located on the north end of Milk Ranch Peak, the all steel CL-100 plan 13x13 cabin on a 20 foot K-Brace open steel tower was constructed in 1964.
The new lookout replaced an earlier structure built as early as 1927.
Bob Roberts and Rose Vaughn served as long time lookouts in the 1930's through the 50's.
Milk Ranch Peak was last staffed in 1996 but remained in remarkable condition, ready to serve in emergency use.
The lookout and communications infrastructure was reported lost early in the Paradise Fire that began September 10, 2021. National Park Service employees rescued the Osborne Fire-Finder shortly before the lookout was overrun.
The Paradise Fire combined with the Colony Fire to the north to become the KNP Complex Fire.
Lookout destroyed - September 2021
Paradise Fire shortly after lightning caused ignition
Cabin Detail
Photo courtesy of Rene' Ardesch
Osborne Fire-Finder in cabin interior
Cabin view
Circa 1967
Milk Ranch Peak and the Western Divide - Circa 1967
1959
Rose Vaughn on the original lookout structure
Rose Vaughn at work
Bob Roberts with the Fire-Finder
Aftermath of the Paradise Fire - September 2021