Mccarthy Point Lookout
Permanently closed. The lookout cabin was destroyed by the 2024 Park Fire and is no longer accessible. Only the stone foundation remains.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Front Desk Closure today, May 11 at Eagle Lake Ranger District Office
All Visitor Services will be closed at the Eagle Lake Ranger District Office May 11, 2026. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 12th.For questions about recreation sites and other visitor services, please contact our Susanville office. For all product permits and other forest product purchases,…
Front Desk Closure today, May 11 at Almanor Ranger District Office
All Visitor Services will be closed at the Almanor Ranger District Office May 11, 2026. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 12th.For questions about recreation sites and other visitor services, please contact our Susanville office. For all product permits and other forest product purchases,…
Hat Creek RD - Temporary Office Closure for all Visitor Services
All Visitor Services will be closed at the Hat Creek Ranger District Office from April 25, 2026, through May 10, 2026. Normal hours will resume on Monday, May 11th.For questions about recreation sites and other visitor services, please contact our Susanville office. Acting District Ranger: Linda…
Forest Road Closure Order
The Boundary of the Forest Road Closure begins at the Antelope Campground and proceeds as follows:1. Starting at Antelope Campground on Ponderosa Way,2. then continues South along Ponderosa Way to the intersection of 27N08 and 27N21 roads at “The Narrows”,3. then continues Southwest from “The…
SAFETY ALERT - South Antelope Bridge out, Do Not Cross
Damage to the underside of South Antelope Bridge on Ponderosa Way was discovered by Forest Service Road Crews. Engineering staff are currently assessing the damage. At this time the bridge is unsafe to cross, and a barricade has been placed on both sides. We will update here when more information…
Lassen National Forest Camping Restrictions
Forest Order limits the number of days and individuals camping on the Lassen National Forest. This Order prohibits camping for a period longer than 14 days in any developed campground, and 14 days not to exceed an aggregate of 30 days in any undeveloped location during a calendar year. It also…
Lake Almanor Recreational Trail Restriction
Forest Order limits the use of motor vehicles as well as saddle animals, pack animals, and draft animals, on the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail.
Lake Almanor Area Camping Restriction
Forest Order limits camping in the Lake Almanor Overnight Use Closure Area.
About
McCarthy Point Lookout was constructed in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps for use in spotting wildfires across Lassen National Forest. During World War II, the lookout served as part of an aircraft defense monitoring system that extended throughout California. The cabin was perched at an elevation of 3,600 feet on the southern end of Mill Creek rim, offering panoramic views of Mill Creek Canyon and the Ishi Wilderness. The lookout was located within a state game refuge protecting species including wild hog, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, bobcat, and Tehama deer. A variety of raptors nested on nearby rock cliffs, including hawks, eagles, falcons, and owls. The site served as an excellent base for exploring the hiking and equestrian trails throughout the Ishi Wilderness. The nearly 90-year-old cabin was destroyed during the 2024 Park Fire, which burned over 429,000 acres in the region. Only the stone foundation remains. The site is now permanently closed to all public access.
Directions
From Red Bluff, drive east on Highway 36 toward Lassen National Park and Chester. Turn right onto Paynes Creek Loop in Paynes Creek, then turn right on Plum Creek Road (County Road 202) and continue for about 9 miles to the junction of County Road 707B (Forest Service Road 28N29/Ponderosa Way). Turn right and follow this road past Black Rock Campground until you reach Forest Service Road 27N08. Turn left and drive less than a mile to road 27N21. Turn left and proceed to McCarthy Point Lookout. Note: A high-clearance vehicle was recommended.
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 258-2141 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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