Pine Mountain Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically open May through October for reservations via Recreation.gov. Two-night minimum stay required.
Hydrologic Outlook issued December 29 at 9:26PM PST by NWS Eureka CA
ESFEKA A series of atmospheric rivers will bring an increased risk for urban and small stream flooding late this week and into this weekend. The first round of rain will arrive Wednesday night into Thursday and provide generally light to moderate rainfall amounts. Locally heavy rain is expected in the King Range. This initial period of rain will set the stage for a more intense rainstorm expected to arrive Friday into Friday night. Current indications are for the heaviest rainfall to occur during the day on Friday into Friday night. The greatest risk for small stream flooding will occur during this time period and probably continue into Saturday after heavy rain has ended due to the lag in rainfall run-off. Road closures will be possible. At this point, the area of greatest concern is in southern Humboldt and northwest Mendocino counties. Small rivers, streams and creeks such as Elk river, Jacoby creek and Mattole river could exceed their banks and flood area roads. Southern Mendocino and Lake counties may also experience heavy rain and road flooding will be possible. Mainstem rivers will also likely rise sharply and will need to be monitored for possible flood stage exceedance. Be on the lookout for watches, advisories and warning as this next heavy rain event unfolds. Stay alert and remember to never attempt to drive through water covered roads. Water may be moving much faster than you think.
Wet weather trail closure in effect on Grindstone District
A wet weather closure is in effect for Stonyford OHV trails on the Grindstone Ranger District, as of 10am, Dec. 23. Trail closures go into effect when two inches of rainfall occur within a 24-hour period or when the soils are saturated.
Wet weather trail closure in effect on Upper Lake District
A wet weather closure will go in effect for OHV trails on the Upper Lake Ranger District, as of 8am on Dec. 20, 2025. Trail closures go into effect when two inches of rainfall occur within a 24-hour period or when the soils are saturated.
Stonyford Office Hours Changing
The Stonyford Office's visitor services hours are changing beginning Jan. 5, 2026. Starting next year, the office will be open from Monday-Friday and closed Saturday-Sunday. Office hours are 8:30-4pm with a lunch break 12-1pm.
M10 Road Construction
The M10 road will be closed Monday, Nov. 17- 20, 2025. Closure location is above Fouts Springs near Dixie Glade. Main impacts are to the Letts Lake basin on Grindstone Ranger District. Detour to get to Letts Lake is via the M5 and 17N02 Roads, high clearance vehicle recommended.
Trail 34 on Upper Lake District closed due to unsafe conditions
OHV Trail 34 is closed due to trail tread degradation and rutting that runs 300 feet down the trail. The trail is unsafe due to unstable soil, extremely muddy conditions and increased runoff.
Trail 3 on Grindstone closed due to slide
Trail 85303 (Trail 3) on the Grindstone Ranger District closed due to landslide: Trail 85303 is closed between Trail 85304 and M5 Road for public safety and to protect natural resources. Unstable soil, downed trees and a steep drop off make this trail unsafe for users.
Cedar Camp Campground Closure
Cedar Camp Campground is closed for public safety. Closure is in effect through 6/18/26.
Chico Seed Orchard Public Use and Access Closure
Pets must be on a leash. Fall/winter hours are 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. beginning Nov. 1. Spring/summer hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. A closure is in effect outside of these hours.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (707) 275-2361 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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