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    Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower

    5.0 (37 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Nanette A.

    Above the clouds, easy drive up and worth the view! Can't get over this amazing view. Would definitely come back again.

    Angela C.

    Started the hike from a lot across the Pinecrest Christian Conference Center. It didn't take a super long time (less than an hour) but the trail is steep and has a lot of thorny bushes. View from the top is great. There are also other trail loops to explore in the same area. I will definitely be back with the kiddos to explore more sans hiking trail.

    Lake Gregory in the background
    Devin B.

    While looking at things to see in the San Bernardino Mountains we came across Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout. Located atop the mountain and manned by volunteers this tower is still an active fire watch that keeps eye over the mountain range and looks for smoke towers indicating wildfires giving early notification the fire crews. Open to visitors you can hear some of the history, see photos and catch amazing views of surrounding lakes, mountain ranges and even Catalina island on a clear day! A nice little side trip while in the area.

    Winnie L.

    What a little historical gem and what a view. We went on a clear day and could see 100+ miles. It was really fun learning about how they spot and communicate fires. Great for kids to learn. If you're afraid of heights perhaps skip it.

    The volunteers
    Mark D.

    It's easy to run out of things to do in Lake Arrowhead. We were here for a few days and went to Yelp for things to do. Low and behold Strawberry Look out came up....wow I remember seeing signs but never thought of checking it out. What a fun and fact filled visit we had. The turn off is right of Rim of the world road (18) and called Bear Springs Rd. Pretty twisty until you turn off to the main road ...then it really gets some twisties and big pot holes so pay attention. Once you get to the end of the road you can see the tower and all the antennaes/cell. Its located on a peak that has a 360 degree unobstructed view. Located at the top you're up about fifty feet. Its cooler and windy. The tower has walk around railing on the outside. Your cell reception is the best and you're like fifteen feet away from a Verizon antenna. Once staffed by rangers but these days its staffed by volunteers. There were three when we visited. We were offered high powered binoculars. It was amazing you could see three lakes, Arrowhead, Gregory and Silverwood. Open most monday through Sunday 9am to 5pm. In the tower they have one small bed, stove and refrigerator. The Osborne fire finder is located in the middle of the room gives quick location of a fire. You can see two other Look Out towers located on the hill over looking Big Bear. That is Keller Peak and Butler Peak. I would imagine they allow you to visit as well. This was very interesting and I reccomend you stop by. It wasn't a clear day (smog) but on a clear day we were told you can see Catalina!

    Part of the view. A miniature model of the station and its flag making an appearance.
    Rick S.

    Beautiful scenic view atop this friendly fire watch station open to the public throughout the day. Friendly volunteers will welcome you atop with knowledge and high-powered binoculars to truly take in the landscapes around. I would not have found this scenic gem if it was not for Yelp. The best part of it all, it is completely free. The only limitation is that they ask for only 5 people at a time for safety reasons. We found this no problem at all as we were luckily the only ones there. Careful on your way up as it is a narrow road with a few nasty potholes. A great spot to start your day prior to your adventures ahead in the area.

    That's a bird house that looks like the Strawberry Peak lookout tower.
    Joy K.

    We were looking for things to do while in Lake Arrowhead, and Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower showed up on Yelp. This was a great stop! The tower is staffed by volunteers and is open daily to the public between 9am-5pm. We walked several flights of narrow stairs to the lookout tower and was greeted by friendly volunteer, Kathy. You can tell Kathy and the other 2 volunteers here on this day love what they do. Kathy showed us around the small space, inside and out. The 360 degree views of San Bernardino County are breathtaking, even on a smoggy day like the day we were here. Looking south, Kathy says on a clear day you can see the ocean and Catalina Island. Looking east you can see two other lookout towers, Keller Peak and Butler Peak. It's cool at the top and gets a nice breeze. You can't get better cell phone coverage than here when surrounded by cell and radio towers. The volunteers are constantly checking out the surrounding areas for smoke and fire. They have a procedure outlined for them of what to look for and how to report it to the experts. The azimuth helps them to pinpoint coordinates. It's quite interesting. They are always looking for volunteers to be a fire lookout hosts, which is a commitment of 8 1/2 hours per month at the various lookouts in the area. Donations are also welcome. I highly recommend this as a stop when in the area.

    Very obscure sign on the way to Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower 6/12/18
    Jenni M.

    The day that our little family ventured over to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower near Lake Arrowhead, CA, there were no tours being offered at the time (mid-morning on 6/12/18). Still, the views are breathtaking. From what I gather from previous reviews, this place offers a variety of perspectives. Historical in terms of the past fires in the area. Scientific in terms of the towers and how they are used during storms. Rescue in terms of how they spot fires and relay information. And so on... We didn't drive right up to the towers as there were a handful of government license plates parked up that way and a few people were dangling off the sides of the towers. We stayed out of the way by parking our truck further down the hill underneath a nice large evergreen. There was a little area where people have set up a painted rock exchange. Had I known this, I would have let our kids participate. I don't think our Garmin ever accurately picked up the location, but I think Waze did on my husband's phone. I just followed the signs. There are several areas where only one vehicle will fit on the road, so beware. For a wonderfully-written review and tons more info, read Niki S.'s review from 6/20/17: https://www.yelp.com/biz/strawberry-peak-fire-lookout-tower-rimforest?hrid=byZCdJl-07L6hFndy6fwFA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) 2018 Challenge #120

    Dr ED M.

    Its monday and i think the station is being serviced Here are some pics from outside

    Fire lookout tower
    Niki S.

    As the 10th visitor of the day (6/19/2017), Mitch and Allan, who were volunteers for the day gave me an amazing tour of lookout tower. It's the BEST part of my trip! I came not knowing what to expect, parked downhill and walked up in the 90 degrees weather wondering what am I doing here like a lost kid:P Allan showed up at the top of the tower and told me to come up. The climbing is definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone who has Acrophobia. Here's what you can do on the fire lookout tower: -borrow the binocular, each side of the tower has a map that tells you what you are looking at: East: Keller Peak Fire Lookout Tower. West: Lake Gregory, Silverwood Lake, Mt Baldy, Cucamonga Peak and Cajon Pass. North: Lake Arrowhead. South: Santiago Peak, Hwy 18, San Bernadine, Norton Air base, Lake Perris and Yucaipa. Allan came out pointed out each direction and what to pay attention to. I absolutely love the view of Mt.Baldy and Cucamonga Peak. -Inside the tower, they showed me how to use "Osborne Fire Finder" to located the fire. They spotted a fire in the morning and w the confirmation w the Keller Peak tower they notified the fire crew to stop the wildfire. I am truly amazed how this Osborne Fire Finder still in use nowadays. - Mitch showed me the stool w glass legs for insulation that's the only safe thing to stand on when lightening strikes. Direction and Parking: - Map pointer and the direction offered by Apple Map is accurate I had no problem finding the tower. -Look for the Lookout sign on the tree when you turn onto Strawberry Lookout Rd. -There's no designed parking space, either you park in front of the tower or park down the hill and walk up. It might not easy to turn around in front of the tower. -Some part of the road can only allow one car to pass but all are paved. Other information: - There are total over 300 volunteers running the 7 Fire Lookout towers in the San Bernadino Forest , used to be Ranger operated. They usually participate one day per month, so how lucky am I to meet Mitch and Allan on this particular day:) - Here's the list of the 7 lookouts: Black Mountain Butler Peak Keller Peak Morton Peak Red Mountain Strawberry Peak Tahquitz Peak - You can get the completely detailed info from Big Bear Discovery Center, I think some require a bit of hiking, some are just short walk. - The towers that surround the Fire Lookout Tower are cell phone towers, so even it is in the mountain, my Verizon got the full bar. - Fire season is usually from May-Sep. - The 30-foot tower you see today was built in 1934. - Restroom is available off site. - The rest 9 visitors of the day were from Canada and Colorado. - You can get a badge if you visit all 7 lookouts, however, Allan said it's for people 18 and under. They want me to help spread the word, come visit, your visit will be the best support and encouragement for their volunteer work. Donation is also welcome. Thank you:)

    Ferdinand T.

    Amazing place! Great history! Volunteers were so nice. enjoy the view. Park at the base, easy to get too

    Nikki O.

    Our guide, Dave, was amazing and very nice. First of all, they congratulated me that I made it to the top....I am terrified of heights. You have to walk up 5 flights of stairs but you can see down as you walk up. Once you get to a certain point, you can feel the wind blowing. At the top, the view is amazing. You capture some great photos up there. The look out tire had some cool instruments to spot fires and to collect weather readings. Dave, told us both how they do everything and what their procedures were. Really cool and definitely a learning experience. You even get a little card that says you made it to the top of the lookout tower. Definitely a must see if you are in the area!

    Marla H.

    Fred, Dave and Keaton...so glad we had the opportunity to meet three fine gentlemen. These guys at the lookout are 100% volunteers! They actually are looking out for fires! That what they do. Had no idea what this place was. Just saw on Tripadvisor on things to do...so glad we did! It's really about 2 flights of stairs. Took us 3 minutes in flip flops. These guys are informative, professional and friendly. Best view ever! The road has some twists and turns to get to the lookout but once you're there it's spectacular! These guys come in day in and day out looking for fires and working with the Forestry, Firefighters, etc., please be respectful to these funny, knowledgeable and honorable men! You can see in one of the pics I'm posting Fred made me giggle with his sense of humor. Fred gave my husband and I a recommendation to checkout the newly revamped Santa's Village. Ziplining, mountain biking, go carts...we will check it out tomorrow! Thanks guys...you are such a treat and we are so very thankful to have help keeping us safe!

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    Great lookout spot half the time pretty crowded not a hard road to get up even with 2w drive ! Worth a peak

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    Ask the Community - Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower

    Review Highlights - Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower

    We were looking for things to do while in Lake Arrowhead, and Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower showed up on Yelp.

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    Indian Rock Camp
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    Integratron - Me walking around taking it all in. Pics & videos allowed after the experience ends.

    Me walking around taking it all in. Pics & videos allowed after the experience ends.

    Integratron - Singing bowls

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    Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout Tower - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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