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Established Camping

Pine Mountain Lookout

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Pine Mountain Lookout is located in the Mendocino National Forest, featuring forested terrain with elevations that provide expansive views. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 30°F in winter. Nearby attractions include Clear Lake, known for fishing and boating, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, offering a variety of plant species to explore.

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Location

Pine Mountain Lookout is located in California

Detail location of campground

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: Travel on M8 (south side of Eel River) is not recommended as the PG&E gates are unpredictably opened and closed, and progess 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.

Address

10025 ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD
Upper lake, CA 95485

Coordinates

39.3669444 N
123.0205556 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed May. 20, 2025

A Unique Experience

A simple, rustic cabin.  As noted by others, it suffers from a little damage/neglect—many of the windows are boarded up—but it's an old fire lookout so we didn't expect a rental cabin atmosphere.  Views are exceptional, as is the peace and quiet.  Get up early and you'll catch the dawn chorus of an amazing number of birds: warblers, woodpeckers, quail, juncos, grosbeaks, cowbirds, even robins.  The cabin is roughly outfitted with cots, bunkbeds, a table and chairs.  There's a clean outhouse down by where you park and a firepit, which we didn't use because it was windy when we were there.  Keep your food up on the table at night--the mice are nocturnal visitors and will help themselves if you leave food on the counter.  Only caveat is the access to the cabin.  They're not kidding when they warn you to bring a chainsaw.  Two of the three roads in and out were blocked by downed trees (so big our small chainsaw wasn't helpful), and in places the road that was open had pretty deep potholes and gullies formed by last winter's heavy rains.  I was really glad we had 4WD.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by L , May 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by L , May 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by L , May 20, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2022

Epic views

This is the third CA fire lookout I’ve stayed in, and ties for first place in terms of majestic views. This cabin has not been kept up as well as the others I’ve stayed in, however, and looks to have Ben vandalized some time in the past. It’s missing 3 of the window sections (now replaced with solid wood storm panels, and the entry lock on the cabin’s only door has been ripped out some time ago.

Still - the cabin is sound and will provide a solid - if more rustic - sleeping experience than some of the other lookouts in CA.

SiteN/A
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by Guess W., November 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by Guess W., November 15, 2022
  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by Guess W., November 15, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2016

So cool to be able to stay in an old fire lookout tower!

It was such a unique experience staying at Pine Mountain Lookout. The tower is unique in that it only gives a 180º view rather than 360º which allows you stunning views of the sunset. And they were absolutely gorgeous sunsets! There are cots provided just make sure you bring a sleeping bag, sheets, etc. It looks like they recently put in a new outhouse which was very clean! The only bad thing I have to say is there were a bunch of rodents; didn't see any while we were there, just a ton of mouse droppings on the counters and by the door in the morning, so make sure you pack away your food at night. There were also signs that rattlesnakes are in the area, but didn't see or hear any.

The roads driving up to the lookout tower are logging roads so they are a bit rough, this wasn't something we were expecting on our drive there. But overall it was an amazing experience. I can't wait to stay at another fire tower!

  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by Samantha S., September 13, 2016
  • Review photo of Pine Mountain Lookout by Samantha S., September 13, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a reservation for Pine Mountain Lookout?

Pine Mountain Lookout requires a reservation through Recreation.gov or by calling the USDA Forest Service office that manages the lookout. Reservations can typically be made up to six months in advance, and the lookout is popular, so booking early is recommended. During peak seasons (summer and early fall), weekends tend to fill up quickly. The lookout accommodates a limited number of guests, so be prepared with all necessary details when making your reservation.

What amenities are available at Pine Mountain Lookout?

Pine Mountain Lookout offers rustic accommodations with basic amenities. The lookout provides cots for sleeping (bring your own sleeping bags and sheets), and features a 180° view rather than the typical 360° panorama of most fire lookouts. Some windows are currently boarded up. The cabin is simple and shows signs of wear. There's no running water or electricity, so pack in water, lighting, and cooking supplies. The exceptional views and peaceful setting compensate for the minimal facilities.

How do I access Pine Mountain Lookout and what are the road conditions?

Access to Pine Mountain Lookout requires traveling along forest roads that may be rough in spots. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially during wet conditions. The lookout sits at an elevated position, providing majestic views of the surrounding landscape. The final approach involves some uphill terrain. For the most current road conditions, check with the managing Forest Service office before your trip, as seasonal weather can significantly impact accessibility. Come prepared with detailed directions as cell service may be limited in the area.