Type: 82′ tower with R6 cab
Status: Abandoned
Elevation: 6,020′
Visited: June 22, 2023
After visiting Hat Point I made the long drive south to visit McGraw. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, and it was mid-afternoon by the time I got here.
It’s hard to tell because it’s in shadow, but in the photo below the door to the cabin is open:
Dirt roads go in several directions here:
Amazingly, the outhouse is still standing:
I lucked out with the timing of my visit and the wildflowers were awesome. Delphinium:
Sitka valerian:
Paintbrush:
Penstemon:
More information
Forest Lookouts
Rex’s Forest Fire Lookout Page
National Historic Lookout Register
Peakbagger
Panorama Photos
Geocache
Directions
From Road 39 turn onto 3962 and ignore the “rough road” sign (the sign is incorrect). Drive 5.3 miles on a good gravel road, then turn left onto Road 3965 and drive 3.3 miles. Turn right on Road 110. Drive 0.4 miles to the lookout.
Not true
Note: You can also get here by turning from 39 onto 3965 signed for Hells Canyon Overlook. The first few miles are good, but past the overlook the road gets rough for a few miles before improving again.
History
This unnamed high point became the site of the first McGraw Lookout in 1934 with a 10′ tower and 14×14 cab. In 1964 it was replaced with an 82′ tower with R6 cab, located half a mile from the original lookout. It hasn’t been staffed since the 1970s.
You can see an album of photos here from the person who staffed the tower in 1971.