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

Mount Lowe Power Plants

Mt Lowe Power Plants Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Mt Lowe Power Plants Marker

Inscription.
The foundations for the 1895 Power Plant are in the area right of this sign. The foundations of the 1899 Power Plant are to the left. All of the foundations for the Motors and Generators shown in the drawings are visible along with the anchor bolts. The drawings are based on actual measured foundations, photographs, & published articles. The Power Plants were both destroyed by a fire on December 9, 1905 along with all the other buildings on the mountain with the exception of the observatory. High winds blew the power lines near the buildings together and ignited the fire. The winds also blew the roof off of the Casino, which was located in the area directly behind where you are standing.

After destruction of these two power plants a red brick substation was built to replace them.
The substation still stands at 2245 Lake Ave.

Erected 2000 by Scenic Mt Lowe Historical Railway Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 34° 12.716′ N, 118° 7.291′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from

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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: Casino, Tennis Courts, Power Plants, and Car Barn (a few steps from this marker); Echo Mtn Service Pit (a few steps from this marker); End of the Line (within shouting distance of this marker); Caretaker’s Cottage and Cable House (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Lowe Railway (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Forces of Nature (about 400 feet away); Echo Mountain House (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Echo Mountain House (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angeles National Forest.

Power Plant Foundation image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Power Plant Foundation

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Mt Lowe Power Plants Marker

Marker is in the distance, on the right side of the trail.

Mount Lowe Power Plants - circa 1900 image. Click for full size.

courtesy Mt Lowe Preservation Society

4. Mount Lowe Power Plants - circa 1900

Red Brick Substation image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 14, 2020

5. Red Brick Substation

The substation still stands at 2245 Lake Ave. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Today it houses a clothing store.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 213 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 16, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on June 20, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on June 14, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on June 16, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on July 21, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.