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Vetter Mountain
VetterLookout01.jpg
Vetter Mountain fire lookout tower
Highest point
Elevation 5,911 ft (1,802 m) NAVD 88
Prominence 708 ft (216 m)
Listing Sierra Peaks Section
Geography
Location Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
Parent range San Gabriel Mountains
Topo map USGS
Climbing
Easiest route Forest road 3Na6

Vetter Mountain is a mountain located in the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County, California. It stands tall within the Angeles National Forest, reaching an elevation of 5,911 feet (about 1,802 meters).

The mountain was named around 1933 by a surveyor named Don McLain. He named it after Victor P. Vetter, a dedicated forest ranger and fire dispatcher. Victor Vetter was recognized for his excellent work in protecting forests and even won the USFS Bissell Medal in 1930. The famous Silver Moccasin Trail, a popular hiking path, crosses the eastern side of Vetter Mountain.

The Vetter Mountain Fire Lookout

Vetter Mountain is home to a historic fire lookout tower. This special tower, known as a BC-3 type cab, is built directly on the ground. It helps people spot wildfires from a high point.

History of the Lookout Tower

The original lookout tower was built in 1937. It was used to watch for fires until 1981. A brave fire lookout named Ramona Merwin worked in the tower from 1953 until it closed. The tower was almost moved to a different location. However, a group of active citizens worked with the Forest Service to save it. They successfully rebuilt and restored the tower, making it operational again in 1998.

Volunteers from the Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association (ANFFLA) operated the tower. Sadly, the tower was destroyed by the large Station Fire on August 31, 2009. Even after the fire, these dedicated volunteers continued to watch for fires. They set up a temporary lookout at the base of the original tower's steps.

Rebuilding the Lookout Tower

The ANFFLA volunteers started rebuilding the fire lookout on July 12, 2014. They began by pouring a new concrete base, using a "bucket brigade" method. The new tower was designed to look just like the original one from the 1930s. Construction was completed in 2020, bringing the historic lookout back to life.

From the lookout, you can see many parts of the Angeles Crest Highway. It also offers clear views of Mount Wilson to the south and Mount Pacifico to the north.

Vetter Mountain panorama
A wide view from the Vetter Mountain fire lookout tower site, looking north.

Charlton Flats Picnic Area

Charlton Flats is a popular picnic area located on the northeast side of Vetter Mountain. It's about a 40-minute drive from the Interstate 210. This picnic spot has about 185 tables and stoves, perfect for outdoor meals. It is usually open from April 1 to November 15.

The area was originally called Pine Flat. It was later renamed Charlton Flats to honor Mr. R.H. Charlton. He was the very first forest supervisor for the Angeles National Forest, serving for 20 years from 1905 to 1925.

Plants and Trees on Vetter Mountain

Vetter Mountain has different types of plant life on its northern and southern slopes. This is because the sun hits the slopes differently, making some areas hotter and drier.

Northern Slope Plants

The northern side of Vetter Mountain is part of the "Montane Forest" zone. This area is cooler and has more moisture. Here, you can find larger trees like bigcone spruce, canyon oak, Jeffrey pine, sugar pine, incense cedar, and white fir.

Vetternorth
The northern side of Vetter Mountain seen from Angeles Crest Highway. The fire lookout tower is at the top.

Southern Slope Plants

The southern side of Vetter Mountain is part of the "Chaparral" zone. This area is hot and dry, especially on the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The plants here are usually chest-high, dense, and evergreen. They often have prickly leaves to help them survive in dry conditions. Common plants include chamise, yucca, Ceanothus, scrub oak, laurel sumac, white sage, black sage, and poison oak. At higher elevations, you might also see manzanita and mountain mahogany.

Vettersouth
The southern side of Vetter Mountain. The fire lookout tower is at the top.
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