Originally developed in 1919 with a frame cabin atop Guard Peak, then with a cupola cabin and crow's nest atop Downey Peak 1 mile northwest in 1929, the present 10' concrete slab base with L-4 cab built atop the south summit in 1957, remained actively staffed into the 1990's; it is currently available on the Recreation Rental program. The tower was the first Idaho lookout listed on the National Historic Lookout Register.