While it is unknown exactly when it occurred, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) investigators are asking the public for leads on a potential suspect or suspects who vandalized the High Rock Lookout last week.
The lookout had been undergoing restoration work, according to a social media post by the High Rock Lookout Restoration Project.
Damage was discovered by project volunteers and reported to USFS officials on Thursday, June 11, according to a Monday, June 15, news release.
Aside from the door being smashed in, multiple windows and window frames were also damaged.
Additionally, tools and supplies were thrown over the cliff at the lookout, and some of the building’s original ceiling materials, which had been restored and prepared for reinstallation, were broken and scattered over the rocks.
Originally built by the USFS in 1930 as a fire lookout station on top of a rock bluff, High Rock Lookout was one of only two in the region that survived the forest service destroying them during the 1960s.
It was last used for fire detection in 2004, though the USFS still owns and manages the land, making the vandalism a federal offense.
“The recent vandalism at High Rock Lookout has impacted years of volunteer restoration work … If you were in the High Rock area and have any information that may be helpful, please contact the appropriate authorities. We appreciate the continued support from our community as we work alongside our partners to protect and restore this historic lookout,” the High Rock Lookout Restoration Project said on Facebook.
The post was accompanied by a video featuring Miles Stipek, law enforcement officer for the U.S. Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest Cowlitz Valley Ranger District in Randle.
“We’ve been up to the top, taken photographs of the damage to the door and the windows, and from there, any evidence that folks have that could be related to the crime, would be very helpful in this case so we can solve it faster,” Stipek said.
With the lookout building itself still closed but the High Rock Lookout trail still open, Stipek asked hikers in the area hoping to take photos of the scenic views to respect the closure of the building and stay out of it to avoid causing more damage.
Given the scenic views at the lookout — which overlooks the Nisqually Valley near Mount Rainier — and it only being a 1.6-mile hike to reach it, it is a popular day-hiking destination and easily sees hundreds of visitors any given week.
“As far as going inside the lookout, that’s prohibited right now. We’re trying to pass that message on to the public,” Stipek said. “If anyone sees anything that’s in violation of the law up there, we would really like it if they would pass it on to the proper authorities. They can call the ranger station in Randle, or if it’s something in progress, we do have some cell service up there, so dial 911 which will direct you to either Pierce County Sheriff’s Office or Lewis County. And then just tell them your location of where you’re at, and they should be able to get either myself up there or a deputy to hopefully mitigate any issues that are going on.”
Anyone with possible leads can call the Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station at 360-497-1100.
The High Rock Lookout Restoration Project is a collaborative effort of the White Pass Country Historical Society, the Sand Mountain Society and the USFS Gifford Pinchot National Forest Cowlitz Valley Ranger District.
The Sand Mountain Society is a historic preservation nonprofit from Oregon which has been leading restoration efforts since 2020 according to the White Pass Country Historical Society’s website.
Restoration efforts initially began in 2014, when the White Pass Country Historical Society members and USFS Cowlitz Valley Ranger District archaeologist Kevin Flores applied for a Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund grant to get the work started.
While project volunteers had their sights set on finally completing the lookout’s restoration this summer, their focus is now on repairing the damage caused by the vandalism. Anyone interested in joining their efforts is invited to do so as well, according to a Tuesday, June 16, High Rock Lookout Restoration Project Facebook post.
“Beginning this week, we are working toward staffing the lookout daily with volunteer stewards. Whether you’d like to greet visitors, help with restoration efforts, or join our cargo crew, there are opportunities for all experience levels,” a project volunteer said in the June 16 post. “The restoration of High Rock has only been possible because of dedicated volunteers, and we’d love to have you join us this summer.”
Prospective volunteers can fill out the form and waivers required to get involved online at tinyurl.com/HighRockVolunteerForm. For those unable to volunteer but who still want to help, donations toward restoration efforts can be made online at tinyurl.com/SavetheRock.
To learn more, visit the White Pass Country Historical Society’s website at https://whitepasscountrymuseum.org/high-rock-fire-lookout/, or follow the restoration project on Facebook at https://tinyurl.com/57s9jna6.
