Dodger Point Fire Lookout facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dodger Point Fire Lookout
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 Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Mile 13 of Dodger Point Trail, about 17.2 miles (27.7 km) south of Port Angeles, in Olympic National Park |
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| Nearest city | Port Angeles, Washington |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1933 |
| Architect | U.S. Forest Service |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals |
| MPS | Olympic National Park MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000736 |
| Added to NRHP | July 13, 2007 |
The Dodger Point Fire Lookout is a historic building located high up in Olympic National Park. It was built in 1933 to help spot forest fires from a distance. Imagine a small, sturdy house sitting on top of a mountain, watching over the vast forests below!
This lookout is special because it's a reminder of how people used to protect our wild places. It also played a unique role during World War II.
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What is a Fire Lookout?
A fire lookout is like a watchtower for forests. People called "lookouts" would live in these small buildings, often alone, for months at a time. Their main job was to scan the horizon for any signs of smoke. If they saw smoke, they would quickly report it. This helped firefighters get to the fire fast, before it could spread too much.
The Dodger Point Fire Lookout is a single-story building. It sits on Dodger Point peak, high above the timber line. This means it's so high up that trees can't even grow there! It's about 5,753 feet (1,754 m) above sea level. The building itself is small, measuring 14 feet (4.3 m) by 14 feet (4.3 m). It has wood walls and a simple roof. Large windows on all sides allowed the lookout to see in every direction.
Building the Lookout: Who Helped?
The Dodger Point Fire Lookout was built in 1933. It was constructed by the U.S. Forest Service. This government agency manages national forests and grasslands. At the time, this area was part of the Olympic National Forest.
It's possible that young men from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) also helped build it. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression. It gave jobs to young men, helping them build parks, roads, and other important structures. They did a lot of work in national parks and forests.
A Special Job During World War II
During World War II, the Dodger Point Fire Lookout took on a new, very important role. It became an Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) station. People working here weren't just looking for fires anymore. They were also watching the skies for enemy planes.
This was a critical job to protect the country during wartime. Out of thirteen such stations built in Olympic National Park, Dodger Point and Pyramid Peak Lookout are the only two that still remain today.
Why is it Important Today?
The Dodger Point Fire Lookout is more than just an old building. It's a piece of history. It shows us how people worked to protect our natural resources. It also reminds us of the efforts made during World War II.
Because of its historical importance, the Dodger Point Lookout was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 13, 2007. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site that should be preserved for future generations.
