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Middle Sister Lookout

October 25, 20232 min read
Written by Cat House
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Drive-UpStaffed
Elevation: 6898′St. Joe National Forest

HISTORY

1923 – A log cupula cabin was built
1951 – 35″ TT L-4 was built
1953 – This tower accidentally burnt down
1954 – 30′ TT L-4 tower was built.
1992 – Renovated
2008-2009 – Vacant and was renovated by Gary Telford (Prevention Tech) and St. Joe Fire Crew Members

There is also a patrol point 1 1/2 mi NW atop West Sister Mountain

Current: This lookout is staffed every summer

Known Staff

Know more about who staffed this tower, or when? Let us know.

OUR NOTES

It took us a few years and a few failed attempts to finally reach Middle Sister Lookout. But we finally made a successful visit – and subsequently realized why Middle Sister is so fantastic! It has an absolutely INCREDIBLE VIEW over the ENTIRE St Joe National Forest.

Some photos from our first visit in 2023

Currently staffing Middle Sister Lookout is the extraordinary Mac Tippins!

Mac has staffed several lookout towers over the last decade, across the West. He has fascinating stories about his time both at lookouts and from his career before as an airline pilot and his wartime spent in Vietnam. He is an accomplished photographer as well – truly gorgeous work that he shares on his social media platforms www.mactippins.com/ and @prairie_fire_photos

Cat’s photo of Middle Sister during a meteor shower with the Milky Way – July 2025

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