Anyone know about these?

[cali_camper]

This is some sort of wood stove they have in the San Gabriel Mountains. I saw these again yesterday on the Switzer Falls hike (where you aren't allowed to camp). They were very close together maybe ten feet or so. I remembered that I had seen them previously at a hike-in camp on Mt Wilson. They say U.S. Forest service and the door on the front opens. The one I inspected had wood ends and ash in it but was soaked and who knows how long ago it was used. I can't find anything about them, but I'm very curious. I've done a lot of hiking around So Cal and these are the only places I've seen them. Any thoughts? Why is there a platform on top?

 

[MidnightRider]

I've seen & used these in other places in the San Gabriels too. They have them at Henniger Flats & Idlehour trail camp to name a few.

I think they are put in by the USFS usually at " Hike In " Campsites.

My understanding is that they want you to use those, instead of having an Open Fire/Ground Fire. Less chance of starting a forest fire in dry/windy conditions. There is a " Spark Arrester " on top the chimney, wire mesh inside basically to catch flying embers.

The top flat area is for cooking. Once you get a fire rockin inside it, it will through off some heat. A few people can sit around it and get warm. We just leave the door open for some ambiance. It's not as nice as a real fire though.

 

[offero]

I wonder if those are surplus from the days when the Forest Service manned outpost cabins and seasonal walled-tent cabins.

 

[cali_camper]

I've seen & used these in other places in the San Gabriels too. They have them at Henniger Flats & Idlehour trail camp to name a few.

I think they are put in by the USFS usually at " Hike In " Campsites.

My understanding is that they want you to use those, instead of having an Open Fire/Ground Fire. Less chance of starting a forest fire in dry/windy conditions. There is a " Spark Arrester " on top the chimney, wire mesh inside basically to catch flying embers.

The top flat area is for cooking. Once you get a fire rockin inside it, it will through off some heat. A few people can sit around it and get warm. We just leave the door open for some ambiance. It's not as nice as a real fire though.

Thanks, thats along the lines of what I was thinking. I want to use one. Seems vintage or nostalgic or something.....