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 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 since been used as a vacation rental and working fire lookout since its refurbishment in 2001.
The Morton Peak Coordinator is Jeff Palmquist
Spend a Night at Morton Peak
Morton Peak is probably the most unique fire lookout on the forest. Like its counterparts, Morton is staffed by volunteer fire lookout hosts. However, Morton also offers an overnight experience for the public.
Guests arrive in the afternoon, learn about the lookout from volunteers who staff the lookout from 10:00am to 5:00 pm. Then settle in for the night. . .
Watch the sun set. See the lights in the valleys as darkness sets in.
Millions of stars and
several planets are visible for you to enjoy. Get up early enjoy the
sun coming up over the
mountains and leave when the lookout opens for work about 9:45 am.
For information, contact 1-800-4BIG-BEAR (800-424-4232) for reservations
and availability
for dates or visit www.bigbear.com.
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.

