Mccarthy Point Lookout
Closed — 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.…
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.
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
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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