This is hide #3 in my 6k+ elevation series. I was staying at a
friend's house in this part of Baker County and bagging the Wallowa
View cache that had been unfound on the website for 33 months. The
cache page mentioned Russel Lookout as a "must-see" spot so I came
prepared with a fully-stocked cache container. The 85' tower (110
steps lead to the top!) is evidently used only for emergencies so
the road is not well maintained. I think I counted 9 blowdowns
across the road and many spots scream "high-clearance rig." A
couple serious snowdrifts remain as well. We parked at the first
obstacle and hiked to the top (about 2.4 miles RT). The terrain
rating is based on hiking from road 66, however access to the top
may be available during peak fire season.
The cache itself is a camo-painted rubbermaid container with
various swag items and a travel bug. It's placed a stone's throw
from the Russel Mtn. trailhead. Much of the area was scorched by a
recent wildfire. I guess given the purpose of these structures
eventually one will get a front seat to the action!
This cache qualifies for the Oregon Fire Lookout Challenge; this is
a section 8 cache.