Work On Mt. Peak Fire Tower In King County Finished

Seattle WA

29 October, 2021

4:24 PM

Description

KING COUNTY, WA — The wait is nearly over! Work on the new Mount Peak fire tower is now finished. King County officials announced Friday in a news release that the new landmark will soon open to the public and will give visitors to the summit of King County's Pinnacle Peak Park in Enumclaw an optional 22-foot climb to the viewing deck that offers stunning views of the surrounding region. The 33-foot-tall lookout tower is a replica of the structure that once stood on the same spot until it was decommissioned by the Washington Department of Natural Resources in 1966. Advances in fire surveillance technology made obsolete the use of fire towers staffed by trained observers, officials said. "We are excited to honor the region's recent history through the addition of this unique amenity to such a beloved park," said Warren Jimenez, King County Parks Division Director. "We are grateful for the volunteers of the Mt. Peak Historical Fire Lookout Association, whose vision, resourcefulness, and dedication made this project a success." King County Parks anticipates opening the tower to the public before the end of the month, once the finishing touches are finalized and parks can ensure the tower is safe for public use. "As outdoor enthusiasts who love hiking in this region, we wanted to give back to our community by adding something special to this park," said Doug Borst, a member of the Mt. Peak Historical Fire Lookout Association. "After such a big climb up Mount Peak, it will be a huge reward to go those extra 45 steps up the tower and experience territorial views of the Cascade foothills and surrounding Enumclaw Plateau." The 335-acre Pinnacle Peak Park features 4 miles of steep forested trails and unique columnar basalt formations.