North of Gresham, Oregon, a fifteen-foot wooden tower with beige siding and a glass panel has become a local curiosity. Known as a “driveway periscope,” it was built to help homeowners see oncoming traffic on wooded, hilly roads where visibility is poor.
Using two angled mirrors—one at the top and one near the bottom—the device works just like a submarine periscope, reflecting the road’s view to the driver without any electricity or machinery. Blending naturally into its rural surroundings, the structure often surprises passersby who assume it’s a birdhouse or watchtower until they look closer.
After photos of it spread online, the periscope became a symbol of clever, practical design. It’s a reminder that innovation doesn’t always need high-tech tools—sometimes the simplest, hands-on ideas can make everyday life safer and more convenient.
