The Big Hammer Makes a Big Difference

Pierson Building Center, home of the Big Hammer in Eureka, has been a longtime supporter of Smith River Alliance (SRA). They have been a “River Guardian” with SRA since the program’s launch in 2006 and have been supporters of our efforts since long before that.

Long Term Support of Smith Watershed

In 1996, Bill Pierson instigated and implemented moving the old Camp Six fire lookout to its new home on Bear Basin Butte at the eastern edge of the Smith River Watershed. The project was a cooperative effort with the Smith River National Recreation Area and included disassembling the old, out-of-service lookout and moving and rebuilding it at its new site along with constructing a nearby 1930s-style cabin, aptly named “Pierson Cabin.”

The Bear Basin Butte Lookout sits at 5,280 feet on a narrow ridge at the edge of the Siskiyou Wilderness and within the Bear Butte Botanical Area. From the lookout, you can enjoy 360-degree views that encompass the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, the Siskiyou Mountains, South Fork Smith River canyon, headwaters of Hurdygurdy Creek, and the Pacific Ocean. The restored fire lookout and Pierson Cabin are available for rent from July 1 to September 30. If you’re interested, reservations book fast for this popular site at recreation.gov.

We Are Grateful for their Help At Rock Creek Ranch

For almost 60 years Pierson Building Center has been largest supplier of building materials and garden supplies for residents of Humboldt and nearby counties. They have been designated as an essential business by the state of California during the COVID-19 crisis and remain open to serve the community’s needs. Please purchase all your home, building, and garden supplies at Pierson Building Center!