Life as the Last Fire Lookout

Hiking 45 miles in Washington's Cascades to meet one of the last fire lookouts in the world and explore the wildfire that saved American forests.
Huge thanks to Eric Matt for helping to shoot this video: / ericmattt
Special thanks:
Russ Dalton
Ruth Fremson
🎵 Music I use for my videos (2 additional months free with this link): geni.us/aidinartlist
🎧 Sound effects I use for my videos: bit.ly/2WI2aJ7
🎥 Stock footage I use for my videos (additional two months free): bit.ly/307JPqG
Become a channel member to access raw footage and extended tutorials: / @aidinrobbins
📧 Contact Me: [e-mail]
📸 Instagram: / aidinrobbins
📷 Gear I used to make this video:
Main camera: geni.us/aidins5
Light: geni.us/aidin120dii
Softbox: geni.us/aidinsoftbox
Drone: geni.us/aidinair2s
Camera bag: geni.us/aidinbag2
Sigma 14mm f/1.8: geni.us/aidin14mm
Sigma 20mm f/1.4: geni.us/aidin20mm
Sigma 35mm f/1.4: geni.us/aidin35mm
Panasonic 70-200 f/2.8: geni.us/aidin70200
SSD: geni.us/aidinssd
ND Filters: geni.us/aidinnds
Microphone: geni.us/aidinmic2
Tripod: geni.us/aidintripod2
Hard Drives: geni.us/aidindrives
FULL KIT: kit.co/aidinrobbins
Further Reading:
Timothy Egan - The Big Burn: www.timothyeganbooks.com/the-...
Forest Service - 1910 Fire: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_...
Forest Service - Fire Towers: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r1/rec...
NPR: www.npr.org/2019/09/15/749547...
New York Times - Russ Dalton: www.nytimes.com/2019/09/28/us...
Images:
University of Idaho: www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/bi...
National Archives: catalog.archives.gov/id/14872...
catalog.archives.gov/id/6883311
catalog.archives.gov/id/26467199
catalog.archives.gov/id/7003064
catalog.archives.gov/id/7106751
catalog.archives.gov/id/7002141
Fire lookouts - National Archives: catalog.archives.gov/id/7105267
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105271
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105318
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105319
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105324
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105396
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105334
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105328
catalog.archives.gov/id/7105579
Fire Lookouts - Library of Congress: www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.wa05...
www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.ca15...
www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.wa05...
www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.wa02...
www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.ca15...
US Forest Service
Footage:
National Archives: catalog.archives.gov/id/7115
catalog.archives.gov/id/7166
catalog.archives.gov/id/7272
catalog.archives.gov/id/12810
catalog.archives.gov/id/23697
catalog.archives.gov/id/2151
catalog.archives.gov/id/2158
catalog.archives.gov/id/2304
Graphics:
Library of Congress: www.loc.gov/resource/g3902p.c...
www.loc.gov/resource/g3902n.c...
Articles:
1910 fire: www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/lo...
Lake/campground: www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/tr...
Forest Service: www.newspapers.com/article/re...
www.newspapers.com/article/al...
www.newspapers.com/article/sa...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/ca...
Smokies tower restoration: www.newspapers.com/article/th...
www.newspapers.com/article/th...
Track list:
Hannah Parrott - Sacred Rhythm
Makeup and Vanity Set - Father / Son
Tony Anderson - In the Distance
Greg Thomas - Here We Are
Jacob Lavallee - The Vanishing Point
Tony Anderson - Nocturne in Paris
0:00 - Intro
1:46 - The Great Fire
4:25 - Journey to the Lookout
6:18 - The Lookout
12:02 - Lookouts Today
The links above are affiliate links, from which I gain a small monetary compensation when purchases are made. They help keep the lights on ;)

[@Deadmanx117x]

This is my uncle Russ. As long as I can remember he’s been doing this and I always follow his Facebook posts and other things to see what he’s up to. I showed this to my dad-his brother- and he had no idea this documentary was made nor did I. This is an incredible video and I appreciate you shining light on this badass of a man

[@SonjaSophie]

Your uncle Russ seems like a wonderful human being! Tell him I said THANK YOU for his service - when you get a chance! 💜

[@snipergh0st380]

Whats his facebook? If you dont mind sharing... I'd love to work a job like this

[@AwtaMadik]

You should ask your uncle Russ about the missing 411 phenomenon in national parks. Would be really interesting to get his opinion on it.

[@kennethMaveGR]

We need more people like your uncle in these days. Thanks for your uncle services.

[@dylanstephens4075]

You're walking amongst great men brother

[@LEGOFiney]

Ever since I played Firewatch the game this job has always played around in my mind and it sounds amazing to be able to live by yourself in nature when you need a break from chaotic cities and things which clutter your life up.

[@Tiger-eu5ur]

EXACTLY Love that game

[@Aiyqk]

exactly what i was thinking

[@buddyholleypoint9032]

Is the game worth playing?

[@Aiyqk]

​@@buddyholleypoint9032 definitely, its pretty short but a really good game. i think i played it through in one long night without a break, so that should speak for itself :D

[@Tiger-eu5ur]

@@buddyholleypoint9032 yeah especially if you have Xbox game pass it’s a free download

[@Nestico87]

"This land is worth more than the industries that want it." -- so true, and wonderfully said

[@QuartBernstein311]

as a lookout, i always told people we are a 20k a season insurance policy against mass destruction.

[@donniecatalano]

Excellent, inspiring and truthful

[@Jeracraft]

First time here, this is like honestly movie style quality filming, really enjoyed it. 👍

[@jobussin]

of course you would love the move style quality filming...

[@notchlol158]

love your videos

[@skylerakers1989]

Wow its such a small world i see your comments everywhere i go.

[@Idk___3276]

Love your work jera!

[@NooshyYT]

What are you doing here lol 😂

[@ratgirl13]

Dude seems like a chill guy, I wonder if he has ever seen anything unusual going on in those woods. I think the towers should be preserved for future history.

[@abouras]

thought the same, especially if he's had any dangerous wildlife encounters. Or maybe sth more unusual 🛸.

[@justintime753]

Guaranteed

[@allbirdsareedible]

Almost certainly not. 99% of your time is spent in the tower or talking to visitors. You can't see shit in the woods when you're above the woods.

[@Frank-dd5nq]

bigfoot!

[@dx-ek4vr]

I'm sure these towers could be left as shelters that hikers can use

[@Spifey]

These visuals are amazing

[@sebastianronnholm3191]

Yep, this is insane. The first seconds blew me away instantly. I'm lost at words.

[@tywilliams4332]

I did not expect to see Spifey here!

[@EJHigz]

For real, the camera work is insane, the compositions, the pans and zooms. Editing too, top notch. I've no doubt I could imagine myself sat watching a documentary on Netflix / Television when in reality it's just this. Thankyou algorithm, this was randomly on my front page and I'm all for it!✌

[@aJ-bw2sw]

it looks like a video game, but not in a bad way

[@swilleh_]

@@aJ-bw2sw try FireWatch

[@ccn6558]

I put myself through university by working 4 seasons as a fire lookout in eastern WA state. Best job ever - getting paid to look out the window and what a view!!! So grateful to have had that experience.

[@lewislorethe6553]

Does it pay well, how difficult is it to get a job like that

[@santiagomartinez9728]

Hey man! how do you get that sort of job?

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

@@lewislorethe6553 USAJOBS.gov. Look under US Forest Service, National Park Service and BLM ( Bureau of Landmanagement- might have some towers left but notmany. NPS has several scattered all along the Cascade range . Forest Service is in several states. in just about 2-3 weeks hiring for the next season should be or may already be undre way. Applications on line. Good luck!

[@bernsky]

This guy must be in his 50s at least if not older. i remember going to firetowers as a kid in the 80s and they were being phased out. they just dont need them with satelite technology now. Its not really a job anymore. if you want to read more: check out desolation angels by kerouac and desert solitaire by edward abbey

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

@@bernsky False and not by a small margin either. Towers are being phased back in because, satllites dont tell you some certain key features. The jobs are still out there and advertised annually. Abbey was a terrorist and even he said so.

[@the_bearded_firefighter5160]

As a prior fire lookout and now firefighter this is a good story. However there are a lot more active lookouts than you said, also there is a federal archive that documents these towers and puts them in a protected category.

[@Anberel]

I don’t know how many are manned by the forest service, but there are several in Washington that operate as FCFS shelters for hikers. I have no idea whether they’re being regularly maintained either by the forest service or the national park service, though.

[@VacantInside]

Your use of black and white imagery when Russ is recalling his history like flashes of his memory is superb attention to detail and really added to his story. Really ❤ your storytelling.

[@TiPeteux]

Yes but, is memory must be in vivid color tho.

[@MrWiseinheart]

​@@TiPeteuxblack and white photos video usually implies something in the past that's what they were going for I think.

[@awsomegamer8277]

@RepentandbelieveinJesusChristshut up god and Jesus ain’t real stop believing in fairytales

[@sideridely]

It's kinda obvious lol

[@davearonow65]

Beginning film making 101. He didn't invent this technique. He's not even the millionth one to use it. Act like you've been here before.

[@trifix]

First of all - the cinematogrophy, color grading and editing is exceptional in this video. Second - I like many others didn't know fire lookouts existed until the game Firewatch. Me as somewhat of lonewolf was extremly fascinated with the thought of fire lookouts and the job that they were doing!

[@dbugman1]

Seriously you honestly didn't know fire towers existed ? Man, those things used to be everywhere all over the US, mainly in rural areas. You learn something new every day

[@OldTime--Gamer]

exactly, but the interview shots were kind of strange on wide shots and shakey :(

[@Apollo007.]

@@dbugman1 yeah... it so sad that almost all of them are gone. It sounds like such a beautiful job, and amazing to meet hikers there and tell them stories.

[@gunnergunnarsson3534]

Not everyone lives in the US@@dbugman1

[@d-day1050]

@@dbugman1 the thing is that he's can be not from US

[@prest1geiscool]

If you guys like horror, yall should try Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout. Its literally a park ranger that is looking out for fires but something ominous is going on in the forest. Very scary.

[@dominikjergovic6896]

Its kinda scary ngl

[@devinhigoy221]

There was also one called "Do you copy?" it is pretty cool. There have been a lot of fire watch horror stories lately.

[@dominikjergovic6896]

@@devinhigoy221 yeah ive played and i think that ironbark is scarier than do you copy but still two good horror games

[@jonsnow3300]

npc

[@prest1geiscool]

@@jonsnow3300 lol frl

[@MasonMcLeodFilms]

I love randomly finding KZbin videos like this; the quality is so high and the subject matter so earnest and interesting. These videos aren’t just ‘content’, they’re films!

[@stephenmiller5023]

Great story . Here in San Diego California we lost an Unsung Hero named Norm Mitchel about 5-6 years back who did Fire lookout out at the old “ Los Pinos” lookout tower About 50 miles or so East of Downtown. Norm was my friend and worked there tirelessly for over 25 years , and had stories & log book entries of visits from people his whole career. He was an enigmatic figure there & anyone who he met became his friend , and Norm had MANY . He is missed by those who knew him as he passed away suddenly one year , and the tower has pretty much fallen into nowhere near its former glory as the Forest service doesn’t man it hardly anymore that I can tell at least , and it needs some repairs , things that Norm did willingly & as far as I knew out of his own pocket as he loved his job & took pride in his work , and it showed. Your guy here in this video immediately reminded me of Norm , and I wanted to say “ Thank you , for doing this service , and for all you do “ Rest In Peace , Norm Mitchel.

[@Proteus6684]

wish I could thumbs up this 1000%, Great guys who do this job with little government support....shame on the government for letting such a national asset die

[@somethingorother9263]

Peace to Norm Mitchel. Why not apply or atleast find someone to take the mantle.

[@davidadams405]

Really well done. I’ve known Russ for many years and helped replace the roof on that lookout a few years back. As well as showcasing the historical value of these structures, you captured the essence of a fine man doing a job he dearly loves.

[@AB-hu2uw]

show us some bush landings fella

[@davidadams405]

@@AB-hu2uw Sooner or later I’ll get around to processing all the video I have. Once you retire, ya never have any time.

[@Kdschaak]

My Dad, Mom and Uncle all worked for the Forest Service in the late 60's here in Oregon. They all have super fascinating stories from their time in the lookouts. My mom said the stools sat on special insulators that were supposed to protect you during thunder storms. My uncle told me of a time where he was in one and could see another one in the distance through his scope. He said they were having a big lightening storm and he saw his buddies tower take a huge hit. They had radios to communicate but they weren't working. My uncle was worried his buddy might have been hurt, so he got his pack and hiked for hours cross country to the other lookout. His buddy was fine. He had left the tower to get shelter when things were looking too dangerous. They all worked in those big wildfire camps too. Those are the best stories. Ill always remember how my dad looked a smelled when he cam home from a fire. His sooty yellow fire shirt, and deep smoky smell meant he was home safe again. He would also come to our school and talk about Rangers, fire safety, and Smokey the Bear. He gave out STB swag too. Stickers, automobile trash bags, pins.

[@nonyanks2510]

Fire Lookouts are just plain cool, they are the inspiration for my 195 square foot off grid cabin have been living in these past 12 years! An excellent quality video!

[@lambosenpaii6089]

fears to fathom flashback

[@muaazadinho9528]

FR

[@patchycb]

As someone from the UK where we have nothing like lookouts it's something I've always been super fascinated by (as many people I was first introduced to them by the game Firewatch and have just had a fascination with them ever since!) and will definitely be one of the things I hope to see when I do eventually visit America

[@moonasha]

here in new york state there's a bunch of restored fire towers on mountain tops that you can climb up for a 360 view, it's pretty cool

[@MickyAspire]

Everyone that likes fire lookouts should play Firewatch, very scenic game with great storytelling

[@declandorsey9662]

Such a lovely thought. I've lived in the us all my life and definitely took them for granted until watching this video and reading your comment. I enjoyed Firewatch but never really looked into the real thing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Hope you enjoy your stay here whenever that may be.

[@lucasbuttalicka4521]

If you’re lucky enough come to western Canada. We still have lookout towers and jobs to be a lookout.

[@iainmore3961]

I remember open Fire Lookout towers from my childhood in Scotland. I often spent overnight stays in them with a friend. I know of one that is still standing but wouldn't stay overnight in it due to drunken aholes and wasted dope heads spoiling the experience. Drunken aholes managed to burn my favorite tower to the ground.

[@PhillipVu]

i've been watching your videos for so long and i'm seeing you evolve into this info-nature documentary niche makes me so happy. BTW you're one of the people that taught me to make videos :)

[@AidinRobbins]

Means the world my friend! Really appreciate the continued support 🥹

[@AikonikBoy]

@@AidinRobbins In contrast, this is the first time I'm finding your channel but do you think this individual would be open to further visitors provided proper advanced communications?

[@therabbidt]

@@AidinRobbins Your work is incredible ♥Please keep up the amazing effort. I've always been a fan of nature and your videos just hit the absolute sweetspot for me

[@allbirdsareedible]

@@AikonikBoy Go there at a reasonable (usually 9:30 - 6) time in the summer, only go up if invited. You don't need permission to hike up there, same with all lookouts in WA on public land.

[@AikonikBoy]

@@allbirdsareedible thank you!

[@theohicks9268]

Can’t get over how good the editing, color grading and cinematography are in your videos! Very impressive stuff!

[@Fallen608]

Seriously. The budget on this thing must have been pretty decent.

[@Polymecha]

I feel like the only budget he had was willpower This was likely intended to spread awareness of the decline and eventual extinction of this long-forgotten practice and possibly maintain it for future generations to come. @@Fallen608

[@Brinta3]

I was reading your comment at the same moment the camera shake at around 17:10 was annoying me. But otherwise I agree with you!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

the Smokey the Bear program was one of the most effective government programs ever. I got to spend one season in a lookout tower 2010 in Montana, that was the last year that tower was staffed, most lookouts now are 'vacation rentals'. Thank you so much for sharing this...I will never forget that summer.

[@m.k.mcgill]

“It’s one thing to read the account of a homesteader, but it’s another thing to stand on their front porch.” This truly speaks to the tangibility of a place like these lookouts. Beautiful video. Just absolutely amazing.

[@HikingWithJustin]

Man, this video just hits for me. Incredible cinematography, but beyond that, THE STORY. I became enamored with these little lookouts in just about the same way, they make incredible hiking destinations, and then learning about the history and stories made me fall in love. I sort of adopted a local lookout tower here in NW Montana that has been abandoned and this year finally got the opportunity to get on work party to fully restore it! So stoked to save one of these incredible places. Again, awesome video! I’ll be sharing it far and wide!

[@ZIOGD]

Im feeling ironbark lookouut vibes. (fears to fathom)

[@tomas_1312]

fears to fathom irl

[@parkerjordan9444]

In July of 2021, I got the chance to hike to the top of Mount Harkness in Lassen Volcanic National Park. I got to speak with the watchman who lived in the fire tower up there. He shared the tower’s history, purpose, what his day-to-day was like, and welcomed me up to see his views. It was such an inspiring and captivating space. Sadly, one month later, in August, the Mount Harkness fire tower was burnt down in the Dixie Fire. It’s sad knowing I can’t go back and see it. Towers are beautiful places, keeping them around for just that alone is worth it.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

Never give up! We'll build it back better and it will, return!! Shots up!!

[@DanielleBeaty]

My son, a 20 year old Eagle Scout going into firefighting, and myself stumbled onto your channel tonight. We binged every video you have shared. As fellow N. Carolinians, we loved the story about the Appalachians, the tallest trees in the world (🤫), and the fire towers. You have a gift for story telling. Don’t ever stop!

[@supercooldude824]

@@RepentandbelieveinJesusChristamen the desires of this world are temporary

[@jameelalom2961]

After I stumbled onto the tallest trees in the world, I also binged some of his other videos and watched his channel regularly. Excellent storytelling.

[@sevitaral]

can you help me become a firefighter

[@hightiescannabis4827]

Ever heard of Redwood National Park? Pretty sure those have taller trees.

[@BerzerkJaeger]

@@RepentandbelieveinJesusChrist shush

[@Commanderfox945]

The new fears to fathom made me curious. The game made the tower so cozy

[@shanemag-ash6315]

The vibes of this place remind me of Fears to Fathom: Ironbark Lookout

[@matushka__]

my guy playing firewatch irl, or are you being a firewatchman in the game?

[@ejuss4216]

well... firewatch is about IRL...

[@AidinRobbins]

Immersive VR experience 🕹

[@matushka__]

@@AidinRobbins Augmented reality.

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

Imagine playing Firewatch in a firewatch lookout tower.

[@matushka__]

@@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive now that is truly next level.

[@csepke2]

Every time I see your videos, a kind of “home sickness” rises in me for nature. I never lived in the woods, but I am originally from a small town(pretty much a village)in Hungary, that is surrounded by woods and nature. There is something about mountains and forests that I feel a strong connection to.

[@sayochikun3288]

Forget all that. You are supposed to work indoors 10 hours everyday so you can spend your money on stuff you dont need. This is the future

[@csepke2]

@@sayochikun3288 that actually is the past and the present. But the mind can only predict based on past experiences, so it can only imagine the same shit that already happened. Or versions of it. In reality, the human mind is absolutely limited and has no way of knowing what life can bring. But because it focuses on things it thinks it already knows, it keeps recreating the same scenarios over and over. Hence why mankind always repeats history. Until it learns to pay attention to life itself, instead of the chatter of the “monkey brain”.

[@miketusz131]

I have similar feelings too. Also hungarian here.

[@csepke2]

@@miketusz131 Hi fellow Hungarian! 😊

[@iamarizonaball2642]

I live in Arizona. Phoenix Arizona. I just want to move to… the Netherlands. Europe. It’s just, better.

[@louiswj295]

I was born in washington and have lived here for 10 of my 16 years on this planet and I just wanna say how grateful i am for people like this guy for protecting the lands of washington because these rolling mountains and forests are the most magical things i've ever seen on this planet and I dont know what i would do if i couldn't go and enjoy them, and thank you for capturing the beauty of washington in this video.

[@rady_angkorian]

Thanks for taking us along with this journey, Aidin! I love that I first came across you on KZbin to enhance my videography skill and now you're a storyteller.

[@easternju87]

There are multiple active lookouts in the Frank Church Wilderness in Montana and Idaho. As wildland firefighter, we rely on them heavily. Fantastic video!

[@treydee1260]

Facts, i visit the one north of challis idaho on the twin peaks all the time. The guy who works it is a pretty cool guy

[@shannonfoster5806]

Long tom?

[@keithstapleton2087]

as a fellow Washingtonian i love the fact that this video exists, everyone usually thinks about seattle or something like that but the best thing about washington is by far the mountains and forests. every year there are fires here and we love these fire lookouts to explore and some you can actually camp in with permission. washington has some of the best landscapes around for driving and hiking and i want to thank you for showcasing these

[@EyeofValor]

Stark contrast, the ugly Seattle versus the mountains.

[@shushyshushy6762]

@@EyeofValor Seattle has gotten worse and worse year by year. Now as a Seattle born Washingtonian, I just see a husk of what was once considered the Emerald City of the west coast..

[@tzzz7]

Shhh...let's keep this secret😉

[@redline1916]

@@shushyshushy6762 Please don't bring Seattle over to the south or anywhere in the mountains and Appalachia, thanks.

[@shushyshushy6762]

@@redline1916 Ah I see, another UnAmerican pretending to be an American by not helping their fellow Americans, No wonder this country is so fucked and divided. Hope WW3 starts and we get NUKED to all hell.

[@chrissetzer1216]

Well done on this production. I've only recently found your channel, but your story-telling and ability to convey a sense of nostalgia throughout your films is top-notch!

[@juliangreengiant]

I'm from the UK and just last week was in the US. My friend and host suggested we walk to the Fryingpan lookout tower near Asheville NC. It was awesome to see it appear here in your montage a couple of times. Keep up the excellent work. Great video

[@chrisprescott272]

The cinematography in this video is some of the best I’ve ever seen. High quality! Thanks for sharing your talent and bringing light to this extremely important piece of American history.

[@markjlewis]

What a glorious life. It doesn't sound lonely with numerous visitors a day but I would love the solitude in between. Long may Russ continue to send time at the lookout.

[@IceCreamJones57]

Any boxes I can imagine quickly off the top of my head I look for when watching a new movie or doc I think you nailed damn near perfectly. The angles, words spoken, the editing and of course none other than those amazing locales & key moments of the day or night that you got all blend so beautifully together 👍🏼👍🏼

[@scotteger6271]

I really appreciate the effort you put into this…very high level of finish to this short film. I’ve always loved the idea of spending a summer in a fire tower as a lookout. Especially now with the crazy world we all live in, the stress of work, having children and rarely a silent moment. The idea of just being out there, one with nature…peaceful and serene.

[@adamkennedy796]

Hey man, just wanted to tell you that your video popped up on my recommended and it is easily the highest quality KZbin video that I have ever seen. The cinematography... absolutely amazing, the soundtrack was beautiful, the voice over was crystal clear and well placed. And you kept my full attention the entire way through. Your video was super emotive and honestly just a pleasure to watch. Thank you !

[@ktkthakre]

I don't know exactly how the algorithm suggested me this video, but thank god it did. This was one of the most well thought-out, euphorically shot, and brilliantly narrated KZbin video I've seen in a long time. Your storytelling is top tier. And hats off to Russ Dalton for sharing his epic journey. You can see in his manner of speaking that this job has kept him calm and composed throughout all those decades of working in such isolated and remote locations. One last thing, the question that Aidin asked "Are fire lookouts still worth saving?". I would say for the beauty of it and the now obscurity of it... absolutely YES! Thanks for sharing this!

[@fadingfrost2617]

Just stumbled (man do I miss stumble!) I just stumbled upon one of your videos for the first time today. I think I've watched 4 or 5 consecutively already. Love them. I greatly appreciate and respect the various perspectives in which you present each of these amazing places. Please, keep going.

[@nomnomnom8116]

well done! Thank you!

[@baigus]

This is for sure one of your most incredible works to date. I am from Pakistan so there's not much I can do for the fire lookout tradition in the US but I sincerely hope the natives watching this were not only moved as much as I was by watching this film, but also unify for the greater purpose that was depicted in this film. Thank you for sharing the true power of filmmaking and stories Aidin!

[@STVLK3R]

I got literal chills, when the drone shot started "zooming out" from that last lookout, before going into the epilogue. This is some damn good content.

[@blackxdeft5791]

Came here after watching Fear of Fathom ironbark part 4 ❤. Since than , I was intrigued by firelook outs

[@will7its]

Ya....me too

[@kingkris4119]

The quality of the filming in this video really makes it stand out from others I’ve seen, it really conveys the subject really well. Thank you for giving me an insight into these fire lookouts all the way back here in the UK.

[@rbmedia8798]

You make arguably the best educational nature filmmaking content on this entire platform. You are absolutely what I aspire to be as a filmmaker. Phenomenal work as always

[@vikramsharma2910]

You're growing as a filmmaker! Cheers to you and thank you for inspiring others. Your're really setting up the bar for nature filmmaking.

[@Waterboyofsuperman]

Some of the most beautiful shots from Fremont lookout that I’ve seen. Really well done.

[@NapstaMeme]

thank you

[@mayolvr]

Dude this is one of the best productions I've seen on youtube. Your shots and color grading are unmatched along with accompanying music, sounds, and dialog!

[@alwaysuseless]

Just discovered your channel through this masterpiece! So well organized and clearly presented. Great photography. Thank you for this! I feel really lucky that KZbin recommended this video just a day after you uploaded it. Now I can watch your other videos, while waiting for the next one, as a video of this quality must take a lot of time and work to produce.

[@liltede]

First time here! It was not just a video but an experience. Thanks!

[@ghost.bird.studios]

This was shot and edited beautifully, amazing work!

[@belovedfriday]

absolutely loved this video. your story telling and visuals are next level!

[@GriffinPerrotts]

This is so insanely well done. The pacing is perfect and the visuals are beautiful I really hope youtube rewards you for the effort put into this video!

[@bpleitez]

Wonderfully made. Thanks for sharing this vid.

[@rexstiger6090]

Beautifully done documentary. Thanks

[@Mcgeee]

Incredible work man. It's so rare seeing someone as talented as you behind the camera also being such a good storyteller. One of my favorites so far

[@RubenMaciel]

This is SO GOOD! Every single detail is well-thought-out and adds to the story-telling side of things.

[@itsmikebotkin]

Beautifully shot and an awesome story. Thanks for making this!

[@WillhouseMusic]

Such a fantastic video! The storytelling and visuals are amazing. Even though I've lived in Washington my whole life, it genuinely makes me want to get out and explore these areas.

[@Mike0193Azul]

Gorgeous cinematography and storytelling. Great info given. Huge respect to anyone that works to protect animals, plants, and environments. 💚

[@derrekord]

Incredible work! I was excited to see a 20 min video from you because I know you put a lot of work into your stuff :)

[@arihernandez133]

Brother your videos bring me close to tears…. Never stop doing this. You’re an inspiration

[@lemonsista]

Beautiful work... Thank you, loved it.🌹

[@ENFj12]

You have some of the most amazing videography skills I've ever seen. You really manage to pull alot of the colour of the landscape in a natural manner. And your editing is very smooth as well. It's just very comfortable to watch. Keep it up, it's amazing work.

[@stevehaney7584]

Thanks, Aidin! I live in Washington State and have hiked up many times to fire lookouts and even if they're not being used, they are still in some of the most beautiful places in the mountains. I love the lookouts at Desolation Peak, Sourdough, Hidden Lake, and Green Mountain. I like that you're drawing attention to these beautiful structures and their history. The more people know about them, the more likely they'll be preserved and maintained.

[@Nonsense116]

Dude... this is the first video I've ever watched of yours and you are such a remarkable filmmaker. So. many. beautiful. shots. And the story on top of that was great as well. Incredible stuff.

[@narco7969]

this was such a beautiful video, thank you

[@mattmatimateo]

man i love your style of editing, its so relaxing, keep up the good work!

[@tymtron580]

Fears to Fathom

[@blackxdeft5791]

Fears of Fathom. Latest part is literally awesome

[@sovpha]

Thank you for this amazing cinematographic piece. Keep up your awesome work.

[@Llamadosalvaje]

Beautiful!

[@mayureshpatil1873]

You deserve more recognition for your work, even though this content doesn't match today's young generation like short videos it's more then a history lesson.

[@tminusnyc2915]

Absolutely stunning piece. Thank you so much for spotlighting Russ and providing the visuals exemplifying his story. The man is a living legend. Also, please send a copy of this small film to the TriBeCa Film Festival as an entry. You need a bigger stage to showcase your vision, and the world can greatly benefit from your perspective.

[@treygregory408]

What a beautifully shot video. Thanks for sharing.

[@calamityx8596]

what a beautiful video. great job on the cinematography man really enjoyed it.

[@IAMAliIbrahim]

simply wonderful, the scenery has got its own effect but your photography skills are a bonus to it

[@moosifer9680]

I absolutely love your projects. Thank you.

[@verytallowl2022]

Great video Aidin; this is a wonderful topic to discuss and the videography is excellent

[@jose810725]

this is a great video thanks for posting it.

[@danishmarlon2929]

Fears to fathom irl

[@unsociety4625]

Lol, I would so scared

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

I didn't realize they were so rare. I live in Portland and grew up in the scouts. I went camping once a month my whole life. We frequently visited these look outs. Not the big easy to access ones, but the ones deep in the mountains. As a kid I hated the hike but I loved not needing to sleep in a tent for once. Or more accurately, not having to put a tent away after.

[@russiabear4044]

Well , i surprised

[@paulbarham1038]

Very much enjoyed this mini-doc! I do like the thought of preserving the fire lookouts...they're a piece of history and just being able to enjoy the view of the land surrounding them would be an experience to remember!

[@ashleyandersen4375]

First time seeing your videos and WOW this is an artfully done documentary!!! I can't wait to see more. Really great work.

[@zephyerus4189]

There are a handful still active and standing in the Nez Perce-Selway forests in Northern Idaho i have visited. Several of the rangers being at their same lookouts anywhere from 20-50 years. It's very rich in history and so many stories in just the same forests.

[@bubbaray575]

Nice to see a fellow Tar Heel. Here in SE NC I know of at least four of the towers. Must have been pretty lonely work before the internet. We do have a LOT of controlled burns here and we appreciate just how much work the forest service does. Extremely well put together, sir.

[@chrisratcliff7466]

I really really enjoyed this. Great subject. Great filming. The scenery.....the soundtrack. All of it. Top notch. Thank you.

[@LestersB]

Glad this random video showed up in my recommended, this was pleasant to watch. Well done.

[@matthewjpowers]

Omg i stumbled on this video by accident, and couldn’t believe my eyes! I was a volunteer ranger in NOCA NP in 1994, and returned as a SCA trail crew leader in ‘96, working out of Hozmeen on Ross Lake, where Russ taught this punk college kid how to run a chainsaw responsibly. So good to see him still watching over the most beautiful landscape in the country. Hope you’re doing well old friend.

[@BbMaj13Sharp11]

The Big Burn is a fantastic book that describes the introduction of the forest service with Teddy Roosevelt. It gives the story of this fire and all of the people who were affected by it. Really a fantastic book, fun to read as it is presented like an adventure novel and is incredibly well researched.

[@abouttogogreen8100]

sick video ty mate! And yes, they are worth saving for sure!!!

[@tubulartater8960]

its always amazing to see small creators pop up on such a large site and be just completely baffled by these obscure yet fascinating stories, its really just a beauty watching certain videos like these explore such unknown topics and creating such fulfilling and beautiful pieces of art. I guess theres no real point to this comment other than to explain my pure inspiration by this video in so many ways, amazing and outstanding piece of art.

[@thomassanio8745]

Nicely done. Having been to a few fire lookouts here in Arizona, these are very special places that deserve to be restored and maintained in my opinion. There is nothing else like them and probably never will be again, period.

[@cookiebear8688]

Watching this after Fears to fathom

[@blackxdeft5791]

❤❤

[@phillipreeve5263]

Thanks for sharing this work. The topic, the scenery, your style and your storytelling made me enjoy it a lot.

[@scottyinfilm]

This is phenomenal. I was engaged in every second of it. Amazing work.