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Olson Observation Tower

Allegheny MountainsBuildings and structures in Tucker County, West VirginiaFire lookout towers in West VirginiaGovernment buildings completed in 1922Government buildings completed in 1963
Monongahela National ForestTourist attractions in Tucker County, West VirginiaTowers completed in 1922Towers completed in 1963Use American English from July 2025
Olson Observation Tower
Olson Observation Tower

Olson Observation Tower is one of the few remaining fire towers in Monongahela National Forest. Olson is located at the southern end of Backbone Mountain northeast of Parsons in Tucker County, West Virginia. The southern end of Backbone Mountain is the site of West Virginia's first fire tower, originally built by the state in 1922. This tower was later given to Monongahela National Forest, which replaced it in 1963 with the current tower. The current tower is constructed of steel and features 133 steps leading to a cab on top. While the cab is not open to the public, the entire walkway up to the top is accessible. The tower provides 360-degree views of the surrounding area including the Cheat River watershed, Parsons, Blackwater Canyon, Canaan Mountain, Backbone Mountain and the Otter Creek Wilderness. Olson Tower is named after Ernst B. Olson in recognition of 28 years of fire control and conservation program service to Monongahela National Forest.

Excerpt from the Wikipedia article Olson Observation Tower (License: CC BY-SA 3.0, Authors, Images).

Olson Observation Tower
Forest Road 717 aka Olsen Tower Road,

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Wikipedia: Olson Observation TowerContinue reading on Wikipedia

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Latitude Longitude
N 39.106666666667 ° E -79.603333333333 °
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Forest Road 717 aka Olsen Tower Road

Forest Road 717 aka Olsen Tower Road
26269
West Virginia, United States
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Olson Observation Tower
Olson Observation Tower
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