Lookout rental · U.S. Forest Service · Mendocino National Forest · Upper Lake, CA

Pine Mountain Lookout

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.

Lookout rentalReservable · Recreation.gov1 sitePets okFires ok
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Vista from backside of lookoutWestern vista from LookoutLookout from camping areaApproach to Lookout
Photos courtesy of USDA - Forest Service, USDA - Forest Service by Mark Sampson · Recreation.gov
1fire
active
Howard Forest Frp Rx (prescribed burn) · 16 mi away · 13 acres
Interagency incident data as of 2026-10-16
Incident details ↓

Site mix

Cabins1
This lookout is booked as a single unit on Recreation.gov. The booking page shows which dates are open and how far ahead they release. How the booking window works

Site guide

1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.

SiteWater / sewerPeople / vehiclesFires
01No / –6 / 3Yes

Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.

Amenities & rules

PetsAllowed
CampfiresAllowed, subject to restrictions

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.

Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.

Weather by month

NOAA climate normals →
Weather by month near Pine Mountain Lookout40°50°60°70°80°January: 8.21 inches of precipitationFebruary: 7.72 inches of precipitationMarch: 6.28 inches of precipitationApril: 3.36 inches of precipitationMay: 1.86 inches of precipitationJune: 0.54 inches of precipitationJuly: 0.04 inches of precipitationAugust: 0.05 inches of precipitationSeptember: 0.30 inches of precipitationOctober: 1.86 inches of precipitationNovember: 5.04 inches of precipitationDecember: 9.77 inches of precipitationJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanuary: 46.1°F averageFebruary: 48.9°F averageMarch: 52.4°F averageApril: 55.8°F averageMay: 62.0°F averageJune: 68.4°F averageJuly: 74.7°F averageAugust: 73.4°F averageSeptember: 69.5°F averageOctober: 61.1°F averageNovember: 51.2°F averageDecember: 45.3°F average0 in2 in4 in6 in8 in10 inTemp °FInches
The line is the average temperature and the bars are average precipitation at Potter Valley Powerhouse, 6 miles from the campground at 1,018 feet, station USC00047109 in the NOAA monthly climate normals for 1991 to 2020. Precipitation totals about 45 inches a year.

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.

Nearest townUpper Lake, California
Coordinates39.3669° N, 123.0206° W · Directions ↗

Fire nearby

  • Prescribed
    Howard Forest Frp Rx

    16 mi from the campground · 13 acres

Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.

Supplies & services

Dump stationDump station ↗12.1 mi
Outdoor gearClearlake Outdoors ↗25.2 mi

Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.

Explore

Trails nearby

Forest Service trail data →

Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.

Public land it sits in

On Wilderness Atlas →

This campground sits inside Mendocino National Forest.

Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.

On the National Register nearby

On Register Atlas →

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.

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.

Nearby

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.

Guidebooks for California

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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.

Reference

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation at Pine Mountain Lookout?

Sites at Pine Mountain Lookout are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.

Source: Recreation.gov

What time is check-in at Pine Mountain Lookout?

Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.

Source: Recreation.gov

How many sites does Pine Mountain Lookout have?

1 site, including 1 cabin.

Source: Recreation.gov

Are pets allowed at Pine Mountain Lookout?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pine Mountain Lookout. Leash rules apply.

Source: Recreation.gov

Can I have a campfire at Pine Mountain Lookout?

Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there is 1 active fire within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.

Source: Fire nearby

What is there to do at Pine Mountain Lookout?

The lookout mostly offers a prime location for relaxing and enjoying the views. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.

Source: Recreation

What is the nearest town to Pine Mountain Lookout?

Upper Lake, California. The historic town of Upper Lake is approximately 19 miles to the south.

Source: Getting there

What if Pine Mountain Lookout is full?

The nearest public campgrounds are Fuller Grove Group Campground (5.5 mi, first-come), Pogie Point Campground (5.8 mi, first-come), and Bushay Recreation Area (12 mi).

Source: Campgrounds nearby