Butler Peak Lookout
Butler Peak Fire Lookout (elev. 8,535 ft.) is located in the San Bernardino Mountains
between the towns of Green Valley Lake and Fawnskin.
Butler Peak was named after George E. Butler, a local politician and Bear Valley property owner. In 1970 lookout staff member Ilene McMahon spotted the devastating Bear Fire that destroyed 49 homes and burned 53,000 acres from a point just south of Big Bear Dam to the San Bernardino Valley.
Visitors
are welcome to come up to the top and view the mountains, learn about
the San Bernardino National Forest, use the Osborne Fire Finder and
learn about fire prevention.
The tower season is from Memorial Day to November but this particular
tower is located in higher elevations and the dirt road and trail to
the tower has been known to have up to five feet of snow as late as
July 4.
The Butler Peak Coordinator is Al Brown.
Directions
On the North Shore of Big Bear Lake, take Highway 38 to Fawnskin. Watch
for signs for Forest Road 3N14. Follow 3N14 (it will change from paved
to dirt) to a junction with Forest Road 2N13. Turn left on 2N13 and
follow until junction with Forest Road 2N13C. This last road takes you
to Butler Peak. High clearance vehicles are recommended.