It’s no secret that Northern California has some pretty stellar hikes with some amazing views. This particular hike rises to the top, which is what you will be doing if you decide to hike it! The Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout trail takes you to the top of the Sierra Buttes to a historic and awe inspiring location.
The trail to the Sierra Butte Fire Lookout is rated as moderate. It’s a little over 5 miles roundtrip and is a steady ascent from the trailhead until you reach the stair case leading up to the lookout tower.
Flickr/ brian washburn
Located in Sierra County near Sierra City, the Buttes are a less crowded alternative to the Tahoe region and Yosemite to the South. They are equally stunning, however.
Flickr/ Mathesont
About 200 steep, vertigo inducing staircases take you to the top of a historic fire lookout.
Flickr/ Neil Kelley
The lookout itself was built as a vantage point for fires in around 1915, one of many in the Tahoe area. The actual completion of the stairs was done in 1964 by five Tahoe National Forest employees during the summer and it made it possible for people to visit the top safely.
Flickr/ James Good
There are a few commemorative signs along the way. Be sure to keep an eye out for them and learn about the history as you take in the views.
Flickr/ Kelly The Deluded
The lookout is located at 8587 feet above sea level. From here, you can take in the views of Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes, the surrounding Sierra Buttes and many miles of Tahoe National Forest.
Flickr/ Neil Kelley
Make sure you save something in the tank and plenty of snacks and water for that final push to the top. You will be glad you made it when you finally reach the old lookout.
Flickr/ James Good
This route is located along the world famous Pacific Crest Trail, which extends all the way from Mexico to Canada. Adventurous hikers can easily turn this into a longer trek than just the 5 miles we recommend.
Flickr/ Kelly The Deluded
Along the route us, you will walk through the dense forest before climbing higher than the trees can grow.
Yelp/ James L.
The views as you climb are spectacular, as well. These three lakes can be viewed from a ridge line about halfway up. The dramatic slopes of these mountains were formed by glaciers.
Yelp/ James L.
Even if you haven’t hiked to the top of the Sierra Buttes or don’t plan to in the future, any Northern Californian can tell you how spectacular they are. Here they are seen from the valleys far before.
Flickr/ dvcronan
Be very careful once you reach the staircase, especially if you have a fear of heights.
Flickr/ Kelly The Deluded
To find the trail, head northeast from Sierra City on Highway 49 for about 5 miles. Turn left on Gold Lake Highway. After 1.3 miles, turn left again on Packer Lake Road. Follow signs for Packer Lake, turning right at the split. Shortly before reaching Packer Lake, turn left on Co Rte 621 (marked with a sign reading: Sierra Buttes). Follow this road up a steep grade until you reach a wide junction with many parking spots (Packer Saddle).
Yelp/ Katharine S.
Would you hike to the top of the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout? The views may be a little dizzying, but the grandeur of the Sierra Buttes will make this hike worth all the effort.
Flickr/ brian washburn
Flickr/ Mathesont
Flickr/ Neil Kelley
Flickr/ James Good
Flickr/ Kelly The Deluded
Flickr/ Kelly The Deluded
Yelp/ James L.
Yelp/ James L.
Flickr/ dvcronan
Yelp/ Katharine S.
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