Mccarthy Point Lookout
The lookout was destroyed during the 2024 Park Fire and is permanently closed to all public access.
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.…
Eagle Lake RD - Limited Services April 29 & April 30
All product sales and permits will not be available at the Eagle Lake Ranger District Office from April 29, 2026, through April 30, 2026. Normal operations will resume on Monday, May 4th.Though product sales will not be avaiable, our office is still open. Come on in or call for any questions about…
Front Desk Closure today, April 29 at Lassen NF Supervisor's Office
The Front Desk at the Lassen National Forest Supervisor's Office in Susanville is closed today, April 29, 2026. Normal business hours will resume on Thursday, April 30, 2026. To purchase permits and other forest products, please contact the Almanor Ranger District at (530) 258-2141. For any…
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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 or any of our other district…
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
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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. Perched at 3,600 feet elevation on the southern end of Mill Creek rim, the lookout overlooked scenic Mill Creek Canyon and the Ishi Wilderness. During World War II, it served as part of an aircraft defense monitoring system that extended throughout California. The two-room cabin featured a kitchen with propane cook stove, wood stove, and running non-potable water, plus a bedroom with sleeping platforms and cots surrounded by windows on three sides. The lookout was accessible by vehicle with high clearance, requiring a 1,000-foot walk along a paved trail from the parking area. An outhouse with pit toilet was located at the parking area. The site was located within a state game refuge home to wild hog, mountain lion, black bear, coyote, bobcat, and Tehama deer. The area served as an excellent base for exploring the Ishi Wilderness, with numerous hiking and equestrian trails nearby. The lookout was destroyed during the 2024 Park Fire and is 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 right on Plum Creek Road (County Road 202) and continue about 9 miles to the junction of County Road 707B (Forest Service Road 28N29/Ponderosa Way). Turn right and follow past Black Rock Campground to Forest Service Road 27N08. Turn left and drive less than a mile to road 27N21, turn left and proceed to the lookout site. High-clearance vehicle recommended. Note: Site is permanently closed.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| 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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