I’ve wanted to climb up to the crazy lookout tower on the Sierra Buttes ever since I passed below on the Pacific Crest Trail in 1996. Now Dad joins us to do it sixteen years later!

We camp and picnic first at the packsaddle campground.

Packsaddle Camp

Kuhns and maps

The crags loom above the trail from Packer saddle.

Sierra Buttes trail

Spires

Many lakes spread out below.

Young American Lake

Dad

After a good climb we reach a series of “scarecases” leading to the high lookout.

Lookout Scarewells

This currently unstaffed fire lookout is the most exposed I’ve visited. Part of the catwalk hangs over the cliffs below. Looks like there are some climbing routes down there too. A cold wind keeps our visit brief.

Dad on Lookout Catwalk

Down

Me on the catwalk

Ann on the scarewell

Who loves this hike? Me and Ann. Can we make you barf?

Us