Morton Peak Lookout
Morton Peak Lookout is located off Hwy 38, overlooking the cities of
Yucaipa and Mentone. Though it is one of the lowest lookouts (elevation 4624 feet), it has
spectacular views of Mill Creek leading up to Forest Falls as well as surrounding views of Mt.
Palomar, Keller
Meadows, Keller Cliffs, and the San Bernardino Valley. On clear days
you can even see downtown
LA.
Morton Peak gets its name from a Redlands resident by the name of R.B. Morton. Originally built in 1934, the lookout was destroyed by the Morton fire of 1959. Staffing the lookout that day was Aleta Johnson who was airlifted to safety before the tower went up in flames. The tower was rebuilt in 1961 and has been used as a working fire lookout and overnight experience open to the public since its refurbishment in 2001.
The Morton Peak Lookout Leader is Al Brown.
Spend a Night at Morton Peak
Like its counterparts, Morton is staffed by volunteer Fire Lookout Hosts. However, Morton Peak is probably the most unique fire lookout on the forest as it also offers an overnight experience for the public.
Guests can arrive in the afternoon, learn about the lookout from volunteers who staff the lookout from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and then settle in for the night. Enjoy the breathtaking sun set and see the lights in the valley as darkness sets in and millions of stars and
several planets become visible. Guests can get up early to enjoy the
sun coming up over the
mountains and head on their way when the lookout opens for work around 9:45 am.
For reservation information, and date availability visit www.bigbear.com or call 1-800-4BIG-BEAR
(800-424-4232) Open year round, roads and weather permitting.
Directions
From Redlands/Mentone, take Hwy 38 toward Forest Falls - Big Bear. Approximately 1.5 miles past the Mill Creek Ranger Station and across from the Vista Point parking area turn left and goes up dirt road 1N12. High clearance vehicles are recommended! Go
approximately 1.5 miles to the gate (on left). Morton is located about another 1.5 miles past the gate on the top of the peak.