The Long Way
Lake County
A small building on a hilltop surrounded by trees.
Plate I. Pine Mountain Lookout viewed from camping area. From recreation.gov
A scenic view of a forested mountain landscape under a clear blue sky.
Plate II. Mountain vista, Pine Mountain Lookout. From recreation.gov
A scenic view of rolling hills and forests under a clear blue sky.
Plate III. Western vista, Pine Mountain Lookout. From recreation.gov
A small cabin and picnic table in a forest.
Plate IV. Camp area, Pine Mountain Lookout. From recreation.gov
An exterior view of a small building surrounded by trees and rocks.
Plate V. Approach to Pine Mountain Lookout. From recreation.gov

Pine Mountain Lookout

Upper Lake, Lake County, California. Fire lookout; May - October.

Details

Map. Upper Lake, Lake County, California. Larger map
Where
10025 ELK MOUNTAIN ROAD, Upper Lake, CA 10025. Directions
When
Check in: 2:00 p.m.; Check-out: 11:00 a.m.; Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
Getting there
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.
Fees
Overnight Use: $50 per night.
Access
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.
Walk-in or reserve
Open seasonally May - October. Reserve online at recreation.gov.
Phone
(530) 934-3316
Managed by
Mendocino National Forest.
Established
1933.
Coordinates
39.366994, -123.020321.

Rustic Pine Mountain Lookout was constructed in 1933 and used for fire detection until 1942.

Notable Events

  1. 1933The Pine Mountain Lookout was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) for the U.S. Forest Service in 1933. lakeconews.com
  2. 1950After 17 years of use, the lookout was closed in 1950 and the building was abandoned. lakeconews.com
  3. 1987In 1987 the Mendocino National Forest began evaluating historic structures; the Pine Mountain Lookout met the standards for integrity and was determined eligible for listing on the National Register. lakeconews.com
  4. 1989In 1989, intentions were made to put the lookout into the national rental program, which made historic cabins and structures available for public use. lakeconews.com
  5. 2002Following 13 years of restoration and work, the lookout entered the national rental program during the 2002 season. lakeconews.com
  6. During World War II, the lookout became an aircraft spotting station for the U.S. Army, a task that included watching for Japanese fire balloons. lakeconews.com

Sources

  1. lakeconews.com/news/community/24774-historic-pine-mountain-lookout-opening-for-tenth-season-may-1