Tradition ~ Driving To The Fire Lookout

Camping at the Burnt River always includes a drive up to the fire lookout up on Table Rock. It takes about an hour. The drive itself is beautiful.

Dani and Dad rode the ATV's and DJ rode the motorcycle. Mom and I followed with the dogs in my Yukon.

The mountain pine beetle is responsible for these trees no longer being green. It's the most destructive tree-killing beetle in Oregon.

This meadow is about 4 miles from the lookout. We usually stop and eat here. There used to be a big trough that was full of icy cold water. One year my dad, DJ and both my brothers dunked their heads in it.

I love to see new growth.

Between forest fires and the beetles there are patches of bare or brown trees scattered all through the forest. The lookout is ahead of us at that highest point.

The views from the lookout are amazing!

It would be an interesting job manning a fire lookout but I wouldn't want to do it alone.

This lookout is manned from early summer until early fall. Elevation is 7,815 ft.

The dumplings are a little blurry but if you could smell them you wouldn't care! We came back from the lookout and cooked up a pot of chicken and dumplings. Yum! They hit the spot.

I'm grateful for all the men and women who man fire lookouts. It's not always an easy or exciting job but it's appreciated!

It was another great day spent with people I love and soaking in God's beautiful Creation!