Olson Observation Tower overview
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Olson Observation Tower
<p>Originally built in 1922 by the state, Backbone Mountain was the site of the first fire tower in the State of WV. It was later transferred to the Monongahela National Forest and was used until 1963 when it was replaced and named Olson Tower.</p><p>Olson Tower sits on the mountain top. Climb the 133 steps for breathtaking views. Although the cabin is closed to the public, you are welcome to climb to just below the cabin structure. Breathtaking views of the town of Parsons, Blackwater Canyon, <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=12369">Otter Creek Wilderness</a>, <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recarea/?recid=7016">Canaan Mountain</a>, and the Cheat River watershed can all be seen from the tower heights.</p><p>Olson Tower is located on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County. The elevation is approximately 3736 feet above sea level. It is accessible most of the year by a dirt road. There are several trails in the area, including; Canyon Rim Trail # 117 Is 3 miles in length and begins 0.1 miles below the picnic area and Limerock Trail # 142 Is 4.1 miles in length and located along FR 18.</p><p> </p>
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, campgrounds, fishing spots, and other landmarks so a quick visit can grow into a full day.
Parks
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- Wilderness Otter Creek
- Canaan Valley State Park
- Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
- Cathedral State Park
- Wilderness Dolly Sods
Campgrounds
- Horseshoe Recreation And Campground Area
- Blackwater Falls State Park
- Campsite 5
- Camp Site 6
- Brian's Place
- Camp Site 7
Fishing spots
Responsible visitation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site (BLM, NPS, state agency, or private owner) for access rules, permits, and seasonal closures before driving out.
- Stay on trail
- Many points of interest sit in fragile ecosystems. Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and give nesting birds and denning mammals plenty of space.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you. Remote sites often have no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, fossils, or artifacts. Federal law protects cultural and natural resources on public land.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Olson Observation Tower as a favorite, set a weather threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Olson Observation Tower
What is Olson Observation Tower?
A point of interest in West-Virginia tracked by Snoflo -- typically a scenic landmark, named summit, monument, or viewpoint.
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no public feeds.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get there?
Tap Directions in the hero above for Google Maps driving directions, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the spot.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this POI, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other points of interest near here
Snoflo-tracked landmarks within driving distance of Olson Observation Tower.