Olson Fire Tower

What to bring

Day-hike essentials for this trail. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →

The Olson Fire Tower delivers what most fire towers promise but rarely fulfill — a view that actually justifies the sketchy drive and questionable ladder climb. At 60 feet tall, this is the most solid fire tower I’ve climbed in West Virginia, and that’s saying something in a state where half the towers feel like they’re held together by rust and hope.

What to Expect

The real adventure starts before you even see the tower. The access road will test your car’s suspension and your commitment to the cause — I heard my Camry muttering complaints the entire way up. It’s not technically a 4WD road, but it’s rough enough that you’ll question your life choices if you’re driving anything low to the ground. Potholes, loose gravel, and the occasional washout keep things interesting for about two miles.

The tower itself sits in a small clearing surrounded by dense forest. Unlike some fire towers that leave you wondering if the next rung will send you plummeting, Olson’s structure feels reassuringly solid. The 60-foot climb up the exterior ladder is straightforward — no wobbling, no sketchy bolts. The cab at the top was open when I visited, with broken windows that let in a sharp, cold wind that’ll cut right through whatever layers you thought were adequate.

On a clear day, the payoff is massive. You can see Parsons spread out below, the dramatic cut of Blackwater Canyon, and the rolling ridges of Otter Creek Wilderness stretching into the distance. Canaan Mountain dominates the eastern view, and the entire Cheat River watershed unfolds like a topographic map come to life. The catch — and there’s always a catch — is that “clear day” part. Fog rolls through this area like it has a personal vendetta against fire tower climbers.

Difficulty

The hike itself is barely a hike — maybe a quarter mile from where you’ll probably end up parking to the tower base. The challenge is entirely in the drive and the climb. If you’re comfortable on ladders and your car can handle a beating, you’re golden. The ladder climb is straight up with periodic rest platforms, nothing technical but demanding enough that you’ll feel it in your legs.

Best Time to Go

The tower is accessible April through December 13, but your best bet for clear views is fall through early spring when the leaves are down and the air is crisp. Early morning visits often catch the fog before it burns off, so aim for late morning or afternoon. Weekdays are your friend here — this isn’t exactly a secret spot, but it’s not overrun either.

Before You Go

Don’t attempt this in a sports car or anything you’re particularly fond of. The access road starts off Forest Service Road 717, but good luck finding reliable cell service once you commit to the drive. Bring water, snacks, and layers — that wind at the top is no joke. The nearest real civilization is Parsons, about 30 minutes away, so fuel up and grab supplies there. And maybe apologize to your car in advance.

Gear for this hike

Our day-hike checklist — the picks that show up again and again from tested gear roundups. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

LOWA Renegade EVO GTX MidGORE-TEX, 3 widths, resolableCheck price on Amazon →Hydro Flask Wide Mouth 32ozinsulated, durableCheck price on Amazon →Osprey Talon 22ventilated back, pole carryCheck price on Amazon →Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .7day-hike specific, waterproofCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Spot 400-Rrechargeable, comfortableCheck price on Amazon →Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacketdurable, trail + everydayCheck price on Amazon →Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweightlifetime warrantyCheck price on Amazon →Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Polescork grip, lightweightCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Squeeze Water Filterultralight, standard threadsCheck price on Amazon →Sawyer Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent Spraytreat clothing; kills ticksCheck price on Amazon →Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve HoodyUPF 50, hood + thumb holesCheck price on Amazon →