History

The North Twentymile lookout site was established sometime around 1920 with an old log cabin. It’s possible the site was established as a lookout camp prior to 1920. In the 1920s the Methow Valley Journel reported that the North Twentymile lookout was staffed by Gwen Creveling, married name Gwennie Yockey, who was one of the very few female lookouts in the United States. In 1923, the D6 cupola was built and actively used until 1947, when the existing 30′ treated timber L4 tower was constructed. North Twentymile was last actively staffed in 1988 and is still sometimes used as an emergency lookout.

In 2015, the late Bob Pfeiffer, a retired WDFW fish biologist, FFLA member, and avid outdoorsman, began a restoration project on North Twentymile’s rare D-6 cupola. Thanks to Bob’s tremendous efforts, the cupola is one of the last surviving in the Northwest and the very last in Washington State. It celebrates its 100-year-anniversary in 2023.