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Sierra Club Bulletin 



The Lookout on Mount Lassen 



By William C. Hodge 



The forest fire lookout house on Mount Lassen was destroyed by the 

 eruption of June 12th. After the first eruption, which occurred May 

 30th, the summit was scaled by Ranger Harvey Abbey, of the Lassen 

 National Forest, who left Mineral at 4 p. m., May 31st, and arrived on 

 top next morning at 9 a. m. He found the house unharmed. The crater 

 from which the explosions were issuing was situated about a quarter 

 of a mile from the lookout house ; but the crater at this time was small, 

 measuring only 25 by 40 feet, and the eruptions, although spectacular, 

 were not yet considered dangerous. 



On June 12th, after eruptions had occurred on June ist 2d, 8th and 

 9th, Abbey made another ascent with a party, which included a moving- 

 picture outfit. One of the party suffered from fatigue, being unused to 

 mountain climbing, and in consequence the entire party was consider- 

 ably delayed. At 3 145 p. m., while they were still half a mile from the 

 peak, a terrific explosion occurred, and all had to run to escape the 

 shower of stones. This eruption was brief, and Abbey resolved to take 

 another chance, which he did. He found the crater greatly enlarged 

 and the roof of the lookout house punctured by rocks. One had fallen 

 upon a rafter, but, instead of smashing things, it had merely sliced its 

 way through the timber. 



The explosion of June 14th seriously injured two sight-seers, who 

 were caught in the rain of rocks. Eruptions still continue at intervals, 

 and the peak is regarded as unsafe for visitors and untenable as a 

 lookout. 



The lookout cabin on Mount Lassen was one of the most interesting 

 in California, even before its destruction. It was carefully designed 

 by former Supervisor Kling. No one part was larger or heavier than 

 could be packed on a man's back, and by an ingenious method of joints, 

 the house, when set up in the shop at Red Bluff, was as stable and rigid 

 as a fort. After being assembled at the shop, it was taken apart and the 

 pieces transported as far as possible up the mountain by wagon. Pack 

 horses were used as far as they could go, finally giving way to the 

 most primitive means of transportation — men's backs. 



The house was 14 by 14 and was provided with every appliance 

 needed by the lookout man in the performance of his duties. Instead 

 of one, or a few windows^ it had a ribbon of glass extending entirely 

 around the building, affording a practically uninterrupted view for the 

 man inside. 



Forest Supervisor Rushing has taken steps to equip for lookout pur- 

 poses another peak in lieu of Lassen. The new point is Brokeoff 

 Mountain, a few miles distant. 



At last accounts the crater measured 600 by 150 feet. No flames or 

 lava have been seen at any time. 



