Watchman Lookout Station - Structure

Structure

The lookout is a simple two-story blockhouse design with a 14 feet (4.3 m) by 20 feet (6.1 m) wing extending east from the southeast corner of the main structure. The bottom floor of the main building has a 17 feet (5.2 m) by 17 feet (5.2 m) footprint. The first floor is constructed with massive stone masonry walls. It originally houses a small exhibit room. The exhibit area was unusual for a working fire lookout. However, because it was readily accessibility to visitors, the Watchman lookout provided an excellent opportunity for the National Park Service to educate the public about the park and its fire prevention program. The first floor also has a restroom and storage area. An eight-foot glass window provides a spectacular view of Crater Lake.

The second floor is a four-sided observation room entirely enclosed in glass with a 17 feet (5.2 m) by 17 feet (5.2 m) catwalk around the outside. The first floor was built into the hill-top so the building's footprint is somewhat irregular. Therefore, the lookout's second story is supported by a steel frame rather than resting entirely on the first floor structure. The lookout's native stone and log construction helps blend the structure into its mountain top environment. There is also a stone parapet in front of building that overlooks Crater Lake, 1,849 feet below.

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