| Hike-in | Destroyed |
| Elevation: 6346ft | St. Joe National Forest |
HISTORY
1922: Crows nest lookout on summit, a log cabin 1/2 mile southeast
1925 – Staffed by John “Red” Dennis in the fall * (Hardship & Happy Times by Bert Russel)
1929: 60′ pole tower with 7×7 cab, log cabin living quarters built
1930 – Staffed by Boyd Hanna (who was also on Walo LO the same season) * (Harship & Happy Times by Bert Russel)
1953: Destroyed
*Bearskull was named after a literal bear skull that was hung in a tree at the summit.
OUR NOTES
We made the short hike up to this location, which we’ve learned got its name from a bear skull that was hanging in a tree at the summit. No bears or bear skulls were seen during our visit though, sadly.
We were unable to find the crows nest or the footings for the lookout tower but we did find a few of the tie downs, the ruins from the cabin and assorted items.
My father was manning Bear Skull, when he got his draft notice (by mule train), a few weeks late , in 1944, which technically made him AWOL. All was forgiven when he explained the situation.
Lance – what a story! Is your father still alive today and has he shared other stories about his time staffing the lookout?