Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Lowe Observatory
Mount Lowe Railway
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Lowe Observatory Marker
The Lowe Observatory housed an Alvan Clark 16-inch (lens) refracting telescope, one of the finest of its time. Dr Lewis Swift, the famous comet-seeker of the Warner Observatory in New York, was the first director. He and the Observatory were relocated to Echo Mountain in the Fall of 1894.
This observatory was blown down by fierce winds in 1928. Today the concrete pillar that held the telescope can still be seen. The concrete reservoir to the right of this sign held the water supply for Echo Mountain. A wooden roof covered the reservoir in those days.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1894.
Location. 34° 12.819′ N, 118° 7.299′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Sam Merrill Trail north of Echo Mountain. Hike three miles up a steep trail with a 1,500-foot altitude gain from the Cobb Estate trailhead. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Altadena CA 91001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The White City (within shouting distance of this marker); New Line to Alpine Tavern (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); End of the Line (about 500 feet away); Echo Mtn Service Pit
this page online
Also see . . . Mount Lowe Timeline. (Submitted on June 11, 2024.)
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Lowe Observatory Marker and Reservoir
Photographed by Craig Baker
3. Lowe Observatory Pillar and Marker
courtesy Mt Lowe Preservation Society
4. Lowe Observatory and Echo Mountain House
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 11, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
