California / Lake County / Mendocino National Forest

Pine Mountain Lookout

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically open May through October for reservations via Recreation.gov. Two-night minimum stay required.

About

Pine Mountain Lookout is a historically significant fire lookout built in 1933 on the Upper Lake Ranger District of Mendocino National Forest. Originally used for fire detection until 1942, the lookout served as part of California's aircraft defense monitoring system during World War II. Unlike typical lookouts with 360-degree views, this structure offers unique 180-degree views from its perch on a western outcropping of Pine Mountain. The rustic cabin sits at 4,400 feet elevation within a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, black oak, and madrone trees. Windows afford sweeping views of endless mountain peaks and provide an excellent vantage point for watching evening sunsets over the Bucknell Creek and Eel River drainages. The area is home to diverse wildlife including eagles, owls, hawks, osprey, black bears, mountain lions, black-tailed deer, and Tule elk. The lookout is accessible by car via forest roads and accommodates up to six people with one set of bunk beds and four cots. Basic amenities include touch lights, a dining table with chairs, storage cabinets, a fire extinguisher, and first aid kit. Outside, guests will find a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. A vault toilet outhouse is located a short distance away. Visitors must bring all their own supplies including water, bedding, cookware, firewood, and trash bags for packing out waste. The location offers proximity to hiking trails, hunting areas, and fishing on the Eel River, with Lake Pillsbury recreation area just seven miles northeast.

Directions

From Upper Lake: Proceed north on M1/Elk Mountain Road past the Upper Lake Ranger Station. After several miles, as indicated by the sign, turn left onto 18N05. After a few miles, make the hairpin turn to the left onto 17N23. A gate indicated by a sign will be on the right a few miles along. From Potter Valley: Turn right on Eel River Road (North County Road 240B) and drive 4 miles to the Y intersection. Take the right fork signed as Cutoff Road, and travel down the hill for about a half-mile. At the bottom proceed north on County Road 240B and cross the bridge to the north side of Eel River. Turn right towards Lake Pillsbury and proceed 14 miles to the junction with M1 at the Soda Creek Store. Turn right (south) onto M1. At the junction of M1 and M8, proceed left (uphill, following the sign for Upper Lake) to stay on M1. After approximately 6 miles, turn right onto 18N05. After a few miles, make the hairpin turn left onto 17N23. A gate indicated by a sign will be on the right a few miles along. Note: Travel on M8 (south side of Eel River) is not recommended as PG&E gates are unpredictably opened and closed.

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