Cispus Valley
Although people have called this area home for thousands of years, we’ve only been coming out here over the last few years. It all started after I had read a book on the Mt. St. Helens eruption and wanted to get a close look at the crater from the Johnstone Observatory. Since then, we’ve just been extending our exploration in an ever-widening circle which in turn led us to the Cispus Valley, which in turn led to the Burley Mountain Lookout.
The geological history of Cispus Valley dates back to around 50 million years ago when the area was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, sedimentary rocks such as sandstone and shale were deposited on the sea floor, eventually forming the region’s bedrock.
Around 20 million years ago, the area experienced significant tectonic activity as the North American and Pacific plates collided, resulting in the uplifting and folding of the bedrock. This process also caused the formation of the Cascade Range, which can be seen to the west of the valley.
Glaciers played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Cispus Valley during the Pleistocene epoch, which lasted from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. Glacial activity carved out the valley’s steep, U-shaped canyons and left behind large deposits of glacial till, a mixture of clay, sand, and rocks.
In more recent times, volcanic activity has also contributed to the geology of the region. The eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980 deposited volcanic ash and debris throughout the area, which has since become incorporated into the soil and geology of the valley.
Today, Cispus Valley is a diverse and geologically complex region with a rich history of geological processes that have shaped its landscape over millions of years.
Support
Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:
- COASST Beached Bird Surveys
- Wild and Scenic River Project
Thank you.
advertisement
Burley Mountain Lookout was a product of the 1910 'Big Blowup' fires that devasted large areas of Washington, Idaho, and Montana
Affiliates
Latest Instagram
A forgotten sailboat, once at home on the open seas, now rests as a forgotten relic in the parking lot near Damon Point, standing as a haunting reminder of forgotten dreams and the relentless power of time.
The golden hues of the sunset cascade through the dense trees of the Pacific Northwest forest. It's a sight that never gets old, a reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the simplest things.
Walking through the forest near our campground on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s almost hypnotic listening to the breeze in the canopy and the waves on the shore.
As the sun ascends, an explosive burst of vibrant hues paints the sky over Damon Point, illuminating the world with a kaleidoscope of colors and reminding us of the breathtaking beauty that awaits those who embrace each new day. Read more about our adventure; the link is in the bio.
Theresa is leading the way to Pebble Beach. A local in the area had shared that this was once an Indian summer camp and that you could still find arrowheads and pottery.
Camping with Jason who found us a great spot on the Columbia River. It’s unbelievable how close the shipping channel comes to our sites.
Come explore the stunning beauty of Tokeland with us! 📸 Click the link in our profile to see what Theresa captured and to join in on the conversation about conservation.
Exploring the Coastal Charm of Tokeland - Essex Media & Explorations
From above, the waves on Long Beach Peninsula look like a canvas of abstract art, each one unique and captivating in its own way. It's like watching a symphony of nature in motion - powerful, graceful, and utterly mesmerizing. 🌊✨
I recently witnessed a breathtaking sunset on the Pacific Coast. The hues of orange, and pink painted the sky and reflected off the calm water. It was a truly unforgettable moment.
Theresa's enjoying a moment of peace in Long Beach - just look at that sunset! All of us can help preserve these beautiful places for people to enjoy for years to come. Share your favorite conservation memory in the comments below!
We recently camped at Lake Sylvia State Park and were fortunate enough to have a break in the weather. Just as we were rounding the lake's northern end, there was a break in the clouds revealing a golden sky.
I'd love for you to check my lastest article which includes a short video of my visit to one of Washington's fire lookouts. https://buff.ly/409XOYR
Just published an article over on the website which also has a short clip of my trip to find the Burley Mountain Fire Lookout. Find the link in the bio.
Fluffy cotton candy clouds adorn the serene skies and tranquil waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We had to wait a bit for the tide to recede before we could start our #COASST bird survey.
We took shelter under an underhand to wait out a squall while conducting our #COASST bird survey on Murdock Beach. Theresa took advantage to do a bit of Agate hunting while the storm blew over head.
Burley Mountain Lookout
Nestled amidst the pristine forests of the Cascade Range in the state of Washington, Burley Mountain Lookout stands as a testament to the long history of fire detection and prevention in the region. Serving as a vital component in the early fire detection system, the lookout has since evolved into a symbol of the area’s rich past and inspires admiration among hikers, naturalists, and historians alike.
The Origins of the Lookout
The Burley Mountain Lookout traces its origins to the early 20th century, during an era marked by devastating forest fires across the United States. The Great Fire of 1910, also known as the “Big Blowup,” raged across Washington, Idaho, and Montana, incinerating over three million acres of land and claiming the lives of 87 people. This catastrophic event prompted the U.S. Forest Service to establish a more comprehensive fire detection system, leading to the construction of numerous lookout towers, including the Burley Mountain Lookout.
Built in 1934, the Burley Mountain Lookout was a critical element of the fire detection network in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The lookout consisted of a single-story wooden cabin with a cupola on top, allowing for a 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain. The cabin was strategically placed atop the 5,331-foot Burley Mountain, providing unparalleled visibility of the region.
advertisement
article gallery
The Golden Age of Lookouts
During the 1930s and 1940s, the Burley Mountain Lookout flourished as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) efforts to enhance the nation’s forests and parklands. The CCC, established in 1933 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, sought to provide work for unemployed young men while also improving public lands. During this time, the CCC constructed roads, trails, and bridges, as well as more than 800 fire lookout towers, including the Burley Mountain Lookout.
The Burley Mountain Lookout’s primary function was fire detection. A lookout staffed the cabin during the fire season, keeping watch for signs of smoke or flames. Once a potential fire was spotted, the lookout would use an instrument called an Osborne Firefinder to pinpoint the location of the fire and communicate the information to the nearest ranger station. The swift detection and reporting of fires often proved crucial in preventing small fires from becoming larger, uncontrollable blazes.
Decline and Restoration
Advancements in technology, such as aerial surveillance and remote sensing, led to a decline in the use of lookout towers by the mid-20th century. As a result, many towers fell into disrepair or were dismantled altogether. The Burley Mountain Lookout was no exception, with staffing discontinued in the 1960s.
However, recognizing the historical and cultural value of the Burley Mountain Lookout, a group of dedicated volunteers and preservationists formed the Burley Mountain Lookout Restoration Committee in the 1980s. Through their efforts, the lookout was restored to its original condition, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and equipment.
Present-Day Significance
Today, the Burley Mountain Lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular destination for hikers and history enthusiasts. The lookout offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Cascade Range, including nearby Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. While the days of the lookout’s active fire detection service are long gone, it is a poignant reminder of the region’s history and the enduring importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.
