Junior Point Lookout -- Chelan Lake, Washington

A crumbling stairway leads into a smoke grey sky and a concrete slab keeping overwatch in the remote territory west of Chelan Lake. The remains underfoot are becoming a part of the surrounding terrain; you have to know where to look. Fire-watchers built various versions of a Junior Point Lookout structure starting in 1933 along the rocky mountain ridge with a perch that allows unique views and those who make an effort a 360 view of the world around them.

It's been a million-dollar view since the glaciers receded, but for over 30 years before being destroyed in 1968 -- it was a shelter for Forest Service employees, pack trains, a halfway house for winter resupply runs on snowshoe, and now tourists roaming forest service roads.

Just below the lookout, you'll find a small turnaround spot and one campsite with an ancient picnic table and fire ring. The ridge is windy, but the views can be worth it.

Watch out for dead trees and check for local fire bans.

While camping in Washington you can expect a variety of conditions but this trip mostly featured smoke from local wildfires and throughout the western half of the country. Check local fire restrictions and conditions before planning your next adventure. Campsites with Pacific North West Views during wildfire season can be a real bummer.

Junior Point Lookout. Chelan County, Washington. Undated photo, via USFS

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Junior Point Camp, Shady Pass

Chelan County, Washington

47.994422, -120.400162

Junior Point Lookout, Interior. Undated Photo, VIA USFS

Chelan County, Washington. Shady Pass, NF-5900. Chesapeake Saddle.