Mount Brown Fire Lookout, Fire lookout tower in Glacier National Park, Montana.
Mount Brown Fire Lookout is a two-story timber structure with a pyramidal roof, built following standard U.S. Forest Service designs. The lookout sits at 7,410 feet elevation and is reached via a 7-mile hiking trail through Glacier National Park.
The tower was built in 1928 when national parks systematically established fire observation stations for forest protection. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, recognizing its role in early conservation efforts.
The lookout represents an era when rangers watched for forest fires from high vantage points to protect the landscape. This method shaped park management for decades and shows how communities valued early fire detection.
The site is remote and requires a demanding hike that takes several hours and good fitness level. Visitors should bring weather-appropriate gear and plenty of water, as there are few shelters or supply stops along the trail.
In 2017, the entire structure received protective wrapping with fire-resistant materials to shield it from the approaching Sprague Fire. This emergency measure shows how much the historic building means to the region.
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