Pine Mountain Lookout

Area Status: Open

This rustic lookout was constructed on the western shoulder of Pine Mountain overlooking the Van Arsdale area.

It is located on an outcrop at 4000 feet in elevation, within a mixed conifer forest consisting of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, black oak and madrone. Bucknell Creek and the Eel River are the major drainages in the area.

The historic town of Upper Lake is approximately 19 miles to the south and the Lake Pillsbury recreation area is seven miles to the northeast.

The Pine Mountain Lookout is currently accessible to modern day vehicles, but it is necessary to bring your own water and pack out your own garbage when renting the lookout.

Some other items you will need to bring with you are food, cooking utensils, bedrolls, pillows and warm evening clothes. The bunk bed has metal springs, there are no box springs or mattresses.

Please remember this site is rustic. The rental fees will help complete the restoration, and maintain the lookout.

The Lookout is available during the summer months and reservations can be made at Recreation.gov

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Closed for the winter. Will be open April 28, 2023 through November 15, 2023.
Reservations:	Recreation.gov Reservations are available 6 months ahead of today's date, between April 28, 2023 and November 15, 2023.
Fees:	The minimum stay is two nights and the maximum is 7 days. The cost is $50.00 per night. Check in time is 2 pm; check out time is 12:00 noon.
Open Season:	May 1
Closest Towns:	Upper Lake
Water:	None
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Upper Lake Ranger District

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Cabin Rentals

This rustic lookout was constructed in 1933 to protect the mills in the surrounding areas. During World War II the lookout served as part of an aircraft defense monitoring system that extended throughout California. The scenery is beautiful in Pine Mountain and surrounding area any time of the year. Spend some time hiking and exploring and relaxing here. You may enjoy wildlife such as deer and songbirds and enjoy beautiful sunsets during your stay. Lake Pillsbury is approximately 30 minutes drive for family fun swimming and fishing on hot days. It is necessary to bring your own water. Lookout site sleeps a maximum number of 6 people Please bring your own drinking water. No ATV's or OHV's allowed.

Please bring garbage bags. This facility is "Pack it in. Pack it out."

Maximum Number of People	Group size will be limited to no more than 6 persons at one time. No overnight camping is permitted within the administrative site outside the rental lookout building.
Status:	Open
Reservation required?:	Y
Rental info:	Rental of this facility is by reservations only. Reservations cannot be accepted more than six months in advance and must be at least 30 calendar days prior to stay. The Lookout is available during the summer months and reservations can be made at Recreation.gov. Rental of this facility will be under Special Use Permit FS-2700-2e, Government Owned Buildings. Group size will be limited to no more than 6 persons at one time. No overnight camping is permitted within the administrative site outside the rental lookout building. The minimum stay is two nights and the maximum is 7 days. The cost is $50.00 per night. Check in time is 2 pm; check out time is 12:00 noon. Permittee will be responsible to report loss or damage of items provided at the lookout and report any use of first aid kit or fire extinguisher. Permittee is responsible to leave the lookout and surrounding areas clean. Fires are only allowed in the provided fire ring and pedestal grill unless prohibited by fire restrictions. All fire must be attended at all times and extinguished before retiring for the night as well as before leaving the site at any time. No smoking or open flames are allowed in any of the buildings. Primary access routes will be signed at major road junctions leading to the lookout and a map will be provided.