Palomar Mountain State Park

A wonderful place to visit in our fast times.
 

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BOUCHER HILL LOOKOUT RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS

Click here for history of the lookout.

Summer 2011
 

Lookout Construction Progresses Rapidly
 

The Boucher Hill Lookout Reconstruction is moving ahead rapidly. The new fire retardant, cedar shingle roof is nearly complete with only flashing hips and a grounding system left to be added. The roof overhang has been completely reconstructed with new v-groove planking.

 

Many of you have already heard that Governor Brown has ordered the park closed in July 2012. The information we have today is the Boucher Hill Lookout restoration project will continue and the lookout will open for fire detection. The park grounds may be closed to the public permanently unless the decision is altered.

 

 

The Forest Fire Lookout Association's Brad Eells stands atop the Boucher Hill fire tower now being renovated on Palomar Mountain.

 

 

Look At That Catwalk

 

 

 

 

 

The entire catwalk is being replaced. New 3x6 support beams are in place. The decking is clear redwood and will soon be painted all white. The new shiplap v-groove siding is also visible here on the southwest side of the lookout.

 

 

 

Siding...And Lots Of It!
 

Brand new but vintage pattern v-groove shiplap fir siding is replacing the original that had been covered over with aluminum sheeting since the late 1970's. The lookout was painted white originally...and will be again. The structure will be clearly visible from all over north San Diego County...a beaming reminder of its fire detection role.

 

 

The Forest Fire Lookout Association - San Diego-Riverside Chapter is always looking for new volunteers, ideas and funding.

 

Contact us at: highpointlookout@yahoo.com

 

Learn more about us: www.socalfirelookouts.org

and our national organization: www.ffla.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old Better Than New...Railings that is...
 

The original 1948 catwalk railings will be refurbished and continued in use. The grain of this 63 year old lumber is very tight and strong compared to modern, rapidly grown wood today. The top rail will be raised to meet modern building codes.