Lookout School Traditional Geocache

This cache has been archived.

Ice and Wind: The cache owner has not responded, or corrected the problems with this cache, so I must regretfully archive the listing.

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Hidden : 10/24/2007
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

Back in the 'early days' where did fire lookout newbies go to learn their craft? Around here, they were sent to the Darrington Ranger Station.

The Past:
Built in 1916, this barn was originally towards the rear of the Darrington Ranger Station compound, very close to what were railroad tracks. As you can see, it had a spectacular view. Historically, it housed the district pack mule strings and provided storage for supplies. But in 1932, a new use was devised for it -- the annual "Fire School." A platform was built on the roof and an Osborne firefinder was installed. During the three days of Lookout School, candidates climbed to the roof of the barn and learned how to use the firefinder, in conjunction with nearby Whitechuck Bench Lookout. Listed as the Darrington Ranger Station Lookout in Kresek's book "Fire Lookouts of the Northwest" and on Rex's Forest Fire Lookout Page, it was abandoned in the 1940s.

The Hunt:
Logbear and I were intrigued by the idea that the barn might still exist and took some time to try to find it, without success. We tromped around after hours looking for it, wanting to place a cache near it, but finally had to settle for the Nels Bruseth (Now there was an interesting fire watcher!) Memorial Garden, across the street from the Darrington Ranger Station's office. (It's not there now, so don't go looking!)

But I was bothered by it because I hadn't figured out where the old barn had been, so I didn't really know if the cache was within the requisite 520 feet from the lookout, in case it might qualify for the lookout challenge. Not being ready to give up looking, I scoured the internet for more -- satellite photos, meeting notes, rare animal records, and old family newsletters finally yielded enough clues to let me know that the old barn was probably still standing and gave me the information I needed to finally find it.

The Present:
Currently, the old barn still stands, unused. The trees have grown up around it, and the view is long gone. The platform pictured on the roof is also gone, but the roof on the smaller portion of the building has been recently replaced. Periodically it comes up at one meeting or another as a candidate for one improvement project or another but based on what I've read, those projects seldom develop into something viable. Some of the suggestions have included replacing part of its deteriorating log foundation, re-shaking the roof of the southern portion, and building an informational kiosk for walkers on the nearby trail. It is interesting to know that the barn has, in the very recent past, become habitat for a colony of Townsend Big-eared Bats that reside along 2nd floor rafters to raise their young. These bats are considered a sensitive species, and the colony (when it is there) has provided study opportunities for biologists.

The Future:
In 1991, the entire Darrington Ranger Station compound (230 acres, 15 buildings) including this barn was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places. With that protection in place, it would seem that the barn is here to stay. Any future repairs will likely be done with in kind material that is hand tooled to replicate the original. Hopefully, some care will be given to this old place and it will be around for many years to come.

The Cache:
  • The cache is a very short walk up a nearby trail (the earlier mentioned old railroad grade) that starts at the trailhead coords given below.
  • It is quite likely you can park your car at the trailhead (we did) as there are no signs indicating parking status one way or the other. If you do park there, please don't block the main body of the trail.
  • Please do not access this cache through the ranger station compound as it is not on that property.
  • You will be looking for a regular sized Lock 'n' Lock in a nylon camo bag.
  • Hints will be given after FTF.
  • There is a worthwhile FTF prize.

Finally, please let me know if there are problems with either the cache or coordinates. Most importantly, have fun!



Dedicated to my BFF Marie . . . Thanks, dear!!

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