Pine Mountain Lookout
Campground · California · 1 bookable site ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Mendocino National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 1
- Bookable site
- up to 6
- People per site
- 3,780 ft
- Elevation
Overview
Rustic Pine Mountain Lookout was constructed in 1933 and used for fire detection until 1942. During World War II, the lookout served as part of an aircraft defense monitoring system that extended throughout California. This lookout is historically significant because it only offers 180-degree views of the surrounding terrain, while other lookouts have 360-degree views. The lookout is typically open from May through October and is accessible by car. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and will need to bring several of their own supplies for a comfortable and enjoyable experience at the lookout.Recreation
The lookout mostly offers a prime location for relaxing and enjoying the views. Guests craving more active pursuits can find hiking trails and hunting areas nearby. Floating and fishing on the Eel River are popular pastimes enjoyed by visitors to the area.Facilities
The inside of the cabin is equipped with a set of bunk beds and four cots, touch lights, a dining table with chairs and storage cabinets. A fire extinguisher and first aid kit are provided for emergency use. A picnic table, fire ring and grill are located outside. An outhouse with a vault toilet is a short distance away. There is no water and electricity. Guests must bring their own water supply, as well as trash bags to pack out their trash. The bunk bed does not have box springs or mattresses. Items such as bedding, lanterns or flashlights, firewood, cookware, utensils and extra toilet paper are not provided.Natural Features
The lookout is perched on an outcropping, at an elevation of 4,400 feet. It is in a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, black oak and madrone trees. Bucknell Creek and the Eel River are the major drainages in the area. The windows afford views of endless mountain peaks and offer a good vantage point for watching the evening sunsets. A variety of bird species inhabit the forest, and guests may spot eagles, owls, hawks and osprey. Mountain lions, black bears, black-tailed deer, flying squirrels, bobcats and Tule elk also live in the area. Please be safe around snakes and bears.Nearby Attractions
The historic town of Upper Lake is approximately 19 miles to the south. This former logging and ranching town offers excellent bird watching, various recreational activities, shops, restaurants and events. The Lake Pillsbury recreation area is seven miles to the northeast. This is the largest lake in Mendocino National Forest and offers many recreational opportunities.Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (707) 275-2361.The facts
- Season: May 1 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 1 bookable site
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: AREA PINE MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT
Site types
- 1 Cabin Nonelectric
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Pets allowed
- Water hookups — not available
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, sewer hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, shade.
1 campsite at Pine Mountain Lookout
Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | AREA PINE MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT | Cabin Nonelectric | — | — | — | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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.
Soon after leaving M1/Elk Mountain Road, you will come to a three-way intersection. Only the center road (up the hill) and the right-hand road will get you to the Lookout. The right-hand road is in better shape. If you do not have 4-wheel-drive and high clearance, the center road is not recommended.
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:
Travel on M8 (south side of Eel River) is not recommended as the PG&E gates are unpredictably opened and closed, and progress on 18N05 from M8 could be blocked by trees.
Turn right on Eel River Road (North County Road 240B) and drive 4 miles to the Y intersection. Take the right hand fork of the Y, signed as Cutoff Road, and travel down the hill for about a half-mile. At the bottom of the hill proceed north on County Road 240B and cross the bridge to the north side of Eel River.
Turn right towards Lake Pillsbury and proceed for 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 to the left (uphill, following the sign for Upper Lake) to stay on M1.
After approx 6 miles, as indicated by the sign, turn right 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.
39.36694, -123.02056 · 39°22'1.0"N 123°1'14.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 95°F in Jul, down to 56°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 57 | 61 | 66 | 71 | 79 | 87 | 95 | 94 | 90 | 79 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 35 | 36 | 39 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 54 | 53 | 49 | 43 | 38 | 35 |
| Precip in | 8.2 | 7.7 | 6.3 | 3.4 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 5.0 | 9.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Pine Mountain Lookout
- Can you reserve a site at Pine Mountain Lookout?
- Yes, Pine Mountain Lookout is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Pine Mountain Lookout have?
- 1 site.
- Are pets allowed at Pine Mountain Lookout?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Pine Mountain Lookout.
- Does Pine Mountain Lookout have hookups?
- No hookups are recorded here.
- Are campfires allowed at Pine Mountain Lookout?
- Campfires are allowed at Pine Mountain Lookout. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
Pine Mountain Lookout also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Pine Mountain Lookout's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- 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.
Camping near Pine Mountain Lookout
- Bushay Recreation Area 12 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Kyen Campground and Oak Grove Day Use Area 12.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Pomo Day Use Area 12.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino 14.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Dixie Glade Campground 17.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake Pillsbury 5.3 mi · Facility
- Fuller Grove Group Campground 5.5 mi · Campground
- Pogie Point Campground 5.8 mi · Campground
- Sunset Campground 6.5 mi · Campground
- Lower Nye Campground 11.7 mi · Campground
- Sanhedrin Wilderness 12.5 mi · Facility
- Dixie Glade Campground 17.1 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 707-275-2361
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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