Mount Octopus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mount Octopus
Mount Octopus Location in Washington (state)
Highest point
Elevation	2,444 ft (745 m) NAVD 88
Prominence	1,680 ft (510 m)
Geography
Location	Jefferson County, Washington, U.S.
Parent range	Olympic Mountains
Topo map	USGS Christmas Creek

Mount Octopus is a mountain peak in the western part of the Olympic Mountains in Washington, USA. It stands about 2,444 feet (745 meters) tall. This peak is located in Jefferson County, Washington, not far from the Olympic Corrections Center. The Snahapish River flows along the eastern base of the mountain.

History of Mount Octopus

The Fire Lookout Station

For many years, Mount Octopus was home to an important fire lookout station. This station helped spot wildfires in the surrounding forests. It was active from around 1957 until 1974. Fire lookouts are often small cabins built on towers or high points. They give a wide view of the area.

The lookout building was eventually taken down from its tower. The plan was to move it to the Forks Timber Museum. This museum collects items about the history of logging and timber in the area. Sadly, the lookout building burned down before it could be moved to the museum.

A Special Radio Station

In September 2000, a special radio station was set up on the summit of Mount Octopus. This station is a "repeater" for NOAA Weather Radio. A repeater takes a radio signal and sends it out again, making it stronger and able to travel farther.

This new station was very important for people living on the Olympic Peninsula. Many communities there did not get good radio signals from transmitters in Puget Sound. The Mount Octopus station helped fill these "gaps" in emergency radio coverage. It also helped boats and ships near the Pacific coast of Washington. Its main job was to send out important tsunami warnings to keep everyone safe.