Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Caretaker’s Cottage and Cable House

Mount Lowe Railway

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Caretaker’s Cottage and Cable House Marker

Inscription.
This 1938 photo shows the cars parked next to the Cable House. The railway ceased operations after the burning of the Alpine Tavern in September of 1936. This left one person, Guy Fess, to watch over the closed Railway. The 4-passenger cars and the freight car were moved closer to the two bedroom cottage where Guy lived. After the floods of March 1938 Guy was evacuated from Echo Mountain. It wasn't long before vandals damaged the cars and set fire to the Cable House. The fire burned all of the cars including the Incline car at the top. Presently one can see the rock wall to the left (A), remnants of the Cable House on the right (B). The side walk leading to the front door of the cottage is still there (C). Alpine car #31 is where the bull wheel sits today.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.

Location. 34° 12.684′ N, 118° 7.265′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Mount Lowe Railway Trail south of Sam Merrill Trail. Hike three miles up the 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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: Mount Lowe Railway (within shouting distance of this marker); Forces of Nature (within shouting distance of this marker); Echo Mountain House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Echo Mountain House (within shouting distance of this marker); Stairway To The Sky (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Lowe Power Plants (within shouting distance of this marker); Casino, Tennis Courts, Power Plants, and Car Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Echo Phone (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angeles National Forest.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Caretaker’s Cottage and Cable House Marker

3. Area Map

Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 269 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 14, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on June 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.