Diablo 4–Wheelers Build New Deck at Sardine Lookout

  • Ann Westling, Public Affairs Officer, Tahoe National Forest
Photograph of white lookout building before restoration showing rotting wood and chipped paint with four individuals doing carpentry work.

Diablo 4–Wheelers restoring Sardine Lookout.

Thanks to the hard work of the Diablo 4–Wheelers, Sardine Lookout is that much closer to be opened as a rental fire lookout tower. Over the August 29/30 th weekend, 10 members of the Diablo 4–Wheelers from Concord restored the old catwalk, 18 feet off the ground as they removed the rotten pieces of deck, stairs, and railings and replaced it. They also installed custom made siding where, over the years, it had either weathered or been shot. In addition, they installed new over–flooring to protect the existing floor and provide additional strength.

“These folks really worked hard. Not only did they have the skills to repair a historic structure, but they brought all their tools including 3 generators. If we had had to pay for these master carpentry skills, in this remote location, it would have set us back well over $5,000. There was a whole lot of cutting going on!” stated Michael Baldrica, Archeologist on the Sierraville Ranger District and Sardine Lookout project coordinator.

Jenny Ward, member of the Board of Directors and past president of the Diablo 4–Wheelers confirmed the groups interest in the trails and historic lookout. “In addition to helping the Forest Service open and close the Bear Valley Trail each year, we have an interest in history and have adopted Sardine Lookout. The group decided to help restore the lookout so that it can be used and appreciated by others and be available for future generations,” she stated.

“This work has been critical in order for this lookout to become a rental facility. To maintain the historical integrity, we use materials and design features that mimic the 1930’s when this lookout was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. There is still quite a bit of work that needs to be done to complete the lookout, including painting the whole structure and restoring the interior of the cab, however we are making steady progress thanks to the hard work by volunteer groups and Forest Service employees,” continued Baldrica.

Sardine Lookout is expected to be available for rent, beginning in the spring, 2010 for about $45 per night. Similar to the Calpine Lookout to the northwest, it will be rented through the National Recreation Reservation System. “Calpine Lookout has been so popular, it has been rented almost non–stop since it was opened 5 years ago. Sardine Lookout has an even better view and so we expect it to be as popular, if not more,” stated Quentin Youngblood, Sierraville District Ranger.

For more information on Sardine Lookout, contact Michael Baldrica, (530) 994-3401 ext 6651.