2021 Fire Season

I had no idea how much my life would change in 2021 when I accepted an offer to staff the Goat Peak Fire Lookout above Mazama, deep in North Central Washington’s beautiful Methow Valley. Perched 40 miles north of my home near Twisp, Goat Peak would become my rookie season trial by fire, literally.

I opened the lookout on July 1st, hiked down for a resupply on July 8th, and missed a massive lightning storm that ignited several new fires. When I returned, I quickly found myself in the thick of it. Over the next 48 hours, I reported five new lightning strike fires: Driveway Butte, McGee Creek, Early Winters, Delancey Ridge, and Varden Creek. Then, the Cedar Creek Fire erupted on July 10th, eventually merging with the Varden Fire and scorching over 55,000 acres. A week later, on July 17th, the Cub Creek 2 Fire ignited, ultimately growing beyond 70,000 acres. I had no idea what to expect during my first season as a lookout. What I got was an unforgettable front-row seat to what felt like a live action movie.

By July 19th, with two large fires burning actively on either side, Goat Peak was evacuated. The lookout was wrapped in fire-resistant material for protection. My first season was over almost as quickly as it had begun, a blur of awe, adrenaline, and fear. It was a rookie year I won’t soon forget.

During those intense weeks, I played a key role in wildfire communications. In a rugged landscape where mountains complicate radio signals, I relayed critical updates on fire behavior and weather conditions to fire crews and backcountry Forest Service teams. I watched helicopters, fire bosses, heavy air tankers, smokejumpers, and rappelers take to the sky. I learned the nuances of smoke reporting, fire movement, and radio protocol—all in real time, as flames spread across the Methow.

Beyond fire operations, I also became an unexpected public information officer. Before the fires, I welcomed visitors eager to learn about the mountains, valleys, and wildlife. As the fires burned, I spoke with Methow Valley locals who hiked up to visit, bring gifts, and see the fires firsthand.

Amidst the chaos, I had the opportunity to write about my experience for Filson, who was in town restoring and repainting the nearby First Butte Fire Lookout. It was an honor to share my perspective from the lookout tower.

Below is a collection of photos from my short but action-packed 2021 rookie fire lookout season—a season that changed everything I thought I knew about fire and what it means to be a fire lookout.