This is a rare view of the summit of Lassen Peak. First is pre-eruption and second is the forest service lookout that only existed in 1913 and 1914.

Prior to the creation of Lassen Volcanic National Park, much of the domain was under the jurisdiction of the Lassen National Forest. Since the peak was the highest point on the Lassen Forest it was only natural that it was the site for its first fire lookout. In the winter of 1912-13 Lassen Forest Supervisors, L.A.H. King designed a collapsible building that could be easily taken apart, transported and reassembled. In most cases these portable lookouts could be hauled by pack animals. The small structure measured ten feet long by six feet wide. Two were built that winter, with one destined for top of Lassen Peak. In June 1913, mules were used to pack the lookout building for Lassen, at least to its base. At that point, man was designated the beast of burden. It took four men two days and sixteen trips to log all the pieces and the sparse furnishings to the top of Lassen. Its first and only occupant was W.H. Packard of Woodland.

Since the eruption of May 31, 1914 and subsequent ones Packard’s services as a lookout attendant on Lassen Peak for 1914 were not needed, for obvious reasons. It was remarkable how well the lookout held up through the summer. On September 13, eruption number 52 greatly damaged the structure. Nine eruptions and seventeen days later it was gone.

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