Pine Mountain Lookout

Mendocino National Forest

Eel River, Mendocino National Forest, CA
Eel River, Mendocino National Forest, CA

Pine Mountain Lookout

Mendocino National Forest


Pine Mountain Lookout

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Pine Mountain Lookout was erected in 1933 in the Mendocino National Forest southwest of Lake Pillsbury and southeast of the Eel River (shown above). Originally used as a fire lookout, the single room cabin is now available as a rental cabin for up to 6 people. At an elevation of 4,400 feet guests enjoy a 180-degree view of surrounding mountains and forest. The lookout is rustic and does not have running water or electricity.

Pine Mountain Lookout, Mendocino National Forest, CA

Pine Mountain Lookout
(Mendocino National Forest)

Cabin Features

Pine Mountain Lookout has a set of bunk beds and 4 cots, but bringing along foam sleeping pads to cushion them is recommended. The cabin also has touch lights, a dining table and chairs, and storage cabinets. A fire extinguisher and first aid kit are available. Outside are a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. A short walk away is an outhouse with a vault toilet. The lookout has no water or electricity.

Nearby Activities

Keep an eye out for eagles, owls, hawks, and ospreys. In the forest watch for black bears, deer, and elk. Hiking and mountain biking opportunities are nearby. Enjoy a day trip down to the Eel River for fishing and floating downstream in tubes (when the water levels are safe). Upstream on the Eel River leads to Pillsbury Lake with boating and fishing.

Read full details about the cabin and check for updates at Recreation.gov - Pine Mountain Lookout and Mendocino NF - Pine Mountain Lookout.

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Pine Mountain Lookout Basics
Pine Mountain Lookout Location: 24 miles north of Upper Lake via Elk Mountain Road. Primary access routes will be signed at major road junctions leading to the lookout.
Elevation: 3,765 feet
Miles/driving time from Gateway Cities: Upper Lake - 24 miles, 1:10
Santa Rosa - 95 miles, 2:08
Sacramento - 143 miles, 3:15
Pine Mountain Lookout Season: May through mid-November, depending on weather
Max. Occupancy: 6
Maximum Number Vehicles: 3
Pets: Yes
Operated by Mendocino National Forest
Upper Lake Ranger District (707) 275-2361

Pine Mountain Lookout Reservations
Reservation Window Pine Mountain Lookout may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees: $50 per night, 2 night minimum
Reservations: Pine Mountain Lookout
Maximum Stay: 7 days
Check-in and Check-out Times Check-in 2:00 PM
Check-out 12:00 PM

Pine Mountain Lookout Amenities
Cabin Exterior: Outhouse with vault toilet, picnic table, fire ring, pedestal grill.
Cabin Interior: Inside: Bunk beds (no mattresses), 4 cots, touch lights, dining table, chairs, storage cabinets, fire extinguisher, first aid kit.
NOT included: Bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), mattresses, 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 Pine Mountain Lookout: Hiking and mountain biking on area roads. Visit the Eel River for fishing and floating in inner tubes (when water level is safe). Drive to Lake Pillsbury for boating and fishing. Drive back to Upper Lake for restaurants and casinos.

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Pine Mountain Lookout, Mendocino National Forest, CA


Mendocino National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors at the Pine Mountain Lookout find interesting places nearby to explore.

  • Spend a day at the Eel River picnicking, floating in tubes on the river (when water levels are safe), and fishing
  • Head over to Lake Pillsbury for boating and fishing. Keep an eye out for elk.
  • Hike and mountain bike along a myriad of Forest Service roads in the area.
  • Enjoy restaurants and wineries in Potter Valley.

Check-In Procedure

Pine Mountain Lookout is accessed through a gate with a combination lock. The combination is included in your email conformation.

Key Pine Mountain Lookout Regulations

  1. To avoid problems with bears, do not leave food outside unattended.
  2. No overnight camping is permitted within the administrative site outside the rental lookout building
  3. No use of OHV in the area.
  4. Trailers and RVs are not permitted at the site.
  5. No smoking or open flames, including lanterns and cook stoves, are allowed inside any of the buildings.
  6. Fires are only allowed in the provided fire ring and pedestal grill unless prohibited by fire restrictions. All fires must be attended at all times and extinguished before retiring for the night as well as before leaving the site.
  7. Pets are allowed.
  8. Remove all food (even unopened cans) and garbage when you leave.
  9. Renters are expected to clean up after themselves and prepare the lookout for the next group. Cleaning supplies are provided. Take trash with you.

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