Calpine is a forest fire lookout tower that was actively used every summer until 1975. It is a three-story structure with external stairs. The top room or observation cab is the only rental space available at this time. Visitors renting the lookout will have spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, sunrises, sunsets and stargazing. Calpine sits at an elevation of 5,980 feet, approximately 40 miles from Truckee, CA. Visitors can drive directly to the tower in summer and ski or snowshoe to it in the winter. The lookout does not have electricity or water. In contains propane- powered appliances. The interior of the cab measures 14 by 14 and currently has two twin beds, a dry sink, a table and chairs, three propane lights, a propane heater, a propane stove/oven and a fire finder. A limited assortment of cooking utensils, pots and pans are provided. An accessible vault toilet and a picnic table and fire ring are located outside the lookout. Firewood is not provided. Visitors need to bring their own bedding, toilet paper and other personal items. History Towers such as Calpine lookout have been used for many years to spot forest fires. Calpine lookout was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The structure consists of a ground floor storage room, a middle sleeping room and the observation cab on top. Calpine lookout is an “L-7” or windmill style enclosed tower with a “BC-3” cab and has been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The windmill style of lookout was very popular throughout California, used by the Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and some counties. Calpine lookout is one of 3 windmill style lookouts that remain in the state. Historically, active lookouts were staffed during fire season by one person trained to spot fires. Searching for fires is an all-day and sometimes all night, seven day per week job. Since 1975 Calpine lookout has had limited use, mostly during times of summer lightning activity. fs.usda.gov/recarea/tahoe/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=80158&actid=101
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:25:36 +0000
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