Olson is located at the southern end of Backbone Mountain northeast of Parsons in Tucker County, West Virginia.

The southern end of Backbone Mountain is the site of West Virginia's first fire tower, originally built by the state in 1922.

The current tower is constructed of steel and features 133 steps leading to a cab on top.

A small picnic area is located along Forest Route 717 near Olson Tower.

Both roads are gravel but can easily be traversed by normal passenger cars coming from U.S. Route 219 in the west.