Nahatlatch Fire Lookout Build

4WD Association of BC

Late last year, Rec Sites and Trails BC approached the Four Wheel Drive Association and SWATT to see if we were interested in leading a renovation of the Nahatlatch Fire Lookout Tower near Boston Bar. It was an intriguing project so we said sure. However, later in the year, we heard that the lookout had fallen over so the idea of a reno went 'up in flames', so to speak.

Plans were quickly altered to build a brand new one that would be a twin of the original, just like the West Harrison Fire Lookout.  We started to finalize the plans, set a date and make the dream come to life.

During the last two weekends in August a very small group of friends and strangers got together to try to accomplish something that most people wouldn't even understand.  Approximately 25 volunteers, from the 4WDABC, SWATT, ATV, Wheeling and geocaching clubs along with Mike Peters from Rec Sites and Trails BC spent 4 exceptionally long days and built, from scratch, a fire lookout tower on top of a mountain in sweltering heat.  A new campsite, rejuvenation of an old destination and a tribute to many of the values we all hold dear.

This was one of the finest examples of human nature at it's best. What this small group of people of various skill levels and experience managed to build is beyond words.   Everyone who was there deserves recognition for the amazing quality of work and perseverance, pushing the boundaries of sanity and working from before sun rise till after sunset. It was an honor to be a part of it.