History

The Mebee Pass fire lookout is believed to be the last remaining L-5 of its kind. These tiny 10′ x 10′ structures were prefabricated and typically hauled into a secondary lookout site by horse or mule by the US Forest Service and temporarily staffed during times of high fire danger.

Members of the Forest Fire Lookout Association hiked up to Mebee in 2002 and found the structure severely neglected and barely standing. A helicopter was used to bring in materials to do emergency repairs.

In 2013, the Friends of Mebee Pass partnered with several volunteers and the Methow Valley District Ranger Mike Liu to clear the neglected trail to Mebee and begin restoration efforts. Much of the summer of 2013 was spent clearing the trail. Volunteers repaired the lookout foundation, replaced the roof, repaired deteriorated walls, and installed a lightning rod. Hi Line helicopters of Darrington assisted in flying in 1,100 pounds of equipment that included lumber, siding, posts, crew supplies, and specially ordered Alaskan yellow cedar shingles.