Mccarthy Point Lookout
Closed — The lookout was destroyed during the 2024 Park Fire and is permanently closed to all public access.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
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.
Lassen National Forest Camping Restrictions
Forest Order No. 06-24-01 limits the number of days and individuals camping on the Lassen National Forest.
Lake Almanor Recreational Trail Restriction
Forest Order No. 06-24-03 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 No. 06-24-02 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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