Jordan Peak Fire Lookout

      Jordan Lookout is located in Township 20 S, Range 31 E, Section 15 and is in the Sequoia National Forest, Tulle River District. Jordan Peak is Located in Tulare County, California, at an elevation of 9,122 feet.

      Jordan Peak has the distinction of quite possibly being the oldest lookout site in Sequoia National Forest. Dudley, in 1899, reported seeing a dozen fires burning from the summit of Jordan Peak in 1898. This may have not have been a true fire report, however. There is indication that it was used as a lookout observation post around 1914, when a smoke chaser would ride his horse to the peak and make observations using his compass, binoculars and a map.

      Jordan shows up on the 1916 Sequoia National Forest map, although shown in the wrong quarter section. The original lookout may have been on a higher point northeast of the existing cab. The lookout was a 14 x 14 foot live in cab on 14 foot long timbers that made the tower. The current lookout was constructed in 1934 and is a modified L-4 style live in cab that measures 13.5 x 13.5 foot inside. The roof is a Hip-2 style and all of the materials were hauled in by pack animals. The 20 foot steel tower originally had open bracing, but in 1970, the tower was enclosed with metal siding. A cement staircase goes straight up on the outside of the structure. It is currently staffed 5 days a week (closed on Wednesday and Thursday) and is open to the public. Some of the information is courtsey of Buck Rock Foundation.

      We finally got the ball rolling for Jordan Peak, where after a three year delay the lookout finally got a new roof. This was due in part to the efforts of volunteer and FFLA member Loren Ross, a long-time advocate for historic preservation of the remaining historic buildings on public lands.