McCarthy Point Lookout

McCarthy Point Lookout is located deep in the Lassen National Forest, southwest of Lassen Park and west of Lake Almanor. The picturesque cabin sits on ridge overlooking miles of pristine mountains and forest. Built in 1936 as a fire lookout, it is now offered as a rental cabin. The bedroom in this 2-room cabin is surrounded on three sides by windows, offering beautiful views of the area. Maximum occupancy is 4.

Cabin Features

McCarthy Point Lookout bedroom has two single-size sleeping platforms and 6 aluminum cots. Propane lights illuminate both rooms in the lookout. The kitchen has a propane cook store, wood stove, and double sinks with running non-potable water. There is also a large picnic-style table with benches and a portable propane BBQ. Propane is provided. An outhouse with a pit toilet is located at the parking area, 1,000 feet from the lookout. Guests must transport all their gear up this 1,000-foot trail. Wheelbarrows are provided, but previous guests reported flat tires (2023).

Nearby Activities

Activities in the vicinity of the lookout are limited. Hiking along the roads is a popular exercise. Driving down to Black Rock Campground on Mill Creek is a favorite with many. Find fishing and swimming there. Nearby is a trail leading into the Ishi Wilderness and another trail leading for miles up Mill Creek. Temperatures at the lookout can be very hot in the summer.

Read full details about the cabin and check for updates at Recreation.gov - McCarthy Point Lookout and Lassen NF - McCarthy Point Lookout.

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McCarthy Point Lookout Basics
McCarthy Point Lookout Location:	38 miles north of Chico via Highway 32 and then Forest Service Roads. Both Recreation.gov and Lassen National Forest provide directions from Red Bluff via Highway 36.
Driving Advisories:	Several previous visitors urge future visitors not to use Highway 36, saying that the Highway 32 approach from Chico is much easier. Orange signs with black arrows help with navigation to cabin off Highway 32. Calling the Almanor Ranger District at (530) 258-2141 for advice is probably prudent.
Elevation:	7,077 feet
Miles/driving time from Gateway Cities:	Chico - 57 miles, 2 hours Red Bluff - 77 miles, 2:17 Sacramento - 143 miles, 3:27
McCarthy Point Lookout Season:	June through early October, depending on weather
Max. Occupancy:	4
Maximum Number Vehicles:	2, high-clearance, maximum length 20 feet
Pets:	Yes
Operated by	Lassen National Forest
Lassen National Forest - Almanor Ranger District	(530) 258-2141

McCarthy Point Lookout Reservations
Reservation Window	McCarthy Point Lookout may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees:	$75 per night
Reservations:	McCarthy Point Lookout 2-night minimum reservation
Maximum Stay:	14 days
Check-in and Check-out Times	Check-in 2:00 PM Check-out 11:00 AM

McCarthy Point Lookout Amenities
Cabin Exterior:	Outhouse with vault toilet, wheeled carts for transporting gear.
Cabin Interior:	Inside: Bedroom with 2 single sleeping platforms, 6 aluminum cots. Illumination throughout with propane lights. Kitchen with propane cook stove, a wood stove, double sinks (non-potable water), picnic-style table and benches, portable propane BBQ, broom and dust pan
NOT included:	Bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, pillows, pots and pans, utensils, dishes, dish soap, towels, food containers (to guard against mice), toilet paper, paper towels, matches, flashlight, battery operated lantern, outdoor chairs, garbage bags.
Showers:	No
Attractions near McCarthy Point Lookout:	Nearby attractions are limited. Previous visitors suggest bringing along plenty of books and games. However, do take the relatively short trip to Black Rock Campground to cool off at Mill Creek and do some fishing. Along the way, stop at the Ishi Historic Marker. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

McCarthy Point Lookout, Lassen National Forest, CA

Lassen National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors at the McCarthy Point Lookout find interesting places nearby to explore.

Drive down to Black Rock Campground along Mill Creek for swimming, fishing, and hiking.
Stop at the Ishi Historic Marker along the side of Lassen Trail on the way down to Mill Creek.
Hike along Mill Creek trail, heading upstream to Savercool Place. The Savercool brothers were miners in the 1930s.
McCarthy Point is located within a state game refuge that protects species like mountain lion, black bear, coyote, bobcat, and deer. Raptors nest on rock cliffs in the nearby Ishi Wilderness, including hawks, eagles, falcons and owls.

Check-In Procedure

All users must contact the Almanor Ranger District at (530) 258-2141 to obtain lock and access information