Post Creek Lookout

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Trinity River, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA
Trinity River, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA

Post Creek Lookout

Shasta-Trinity National Forest


Post Creek Lookout

Post Creek Lookout (AKA Post Creek Guard Station) was erected in 1934 as a wildfire lookout for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Now the lookout is a Forest Service rental for up to 6 people. From the lookout windows, visitors can gaze out over miles for forest and mountains while enjoying the serenity of a secluded ridge-top location.

Post Creek Lookout

The lookout has 2 rooms. In the kitchen are a table with chairs, a full supply of pots, pans, dishes, and utensils - but no stove. The main living/sleeping area is surrounded by windows. There are 3 chairs and a coffee table. Sleeping is on a queen bed, a twin bed, and a futon bed. Guests can also spread foam cushions and sleeping bags on the floor if needed.

Running water in the cabin is not potable, but is used for a flushing toilet inside the cabin. Guests should bring their own water for drinking and cooking. If using the cabin water for dish washing, give the dishes and other items a final rinse with your potable water. The cabin does not have electricity, heat, stove, or refrigerator. "The use of portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside with a valid California Campfire Permit.1"

Nearby Activities

Take a dip in nearby Post Creek swimming hole or head on down for a swim in the cold water at Beegum Creek. Hike and mountain bike on local trails and Forest Service roads. Explore the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.

1 Obtain a Campfire Permit at any Forest Service office, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office or Bureau of Land Management office.

Find full details about the cabin and check for updates at Shasta-Trinity National Forest - Post Creek Lookout and at Recreation.gov - Post Creek Guard Station



Post Creek Lookout Basics
Post Creek Lookout Location: Take Highway 36 west from Red Bluff about 56 miles. Then turn onto Forest Road 30 (29N30), also known as Wild Mad Road, off Highway 36. Follow directions found on Recreation.gov. Do not trust GPS directions as they may lead you astray.
Elevation: 1,247 feet
Miles from Gateway Cities: Red Bluff - 82 miles
Eureka - 126 miles
Sacramento - 184 miles
Post Creek Lookout Season: Late May through early November
Max. Occupancy: 6 (including children) Beds for 4, another 2 can bring pads to sleep on the floor.
Maximum Number Vehicles: 2 vehicles
Pets: Yes
Operated by Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Hayfork Ranger Station: 530-628-5227

Post Creek Lookout Reservations
Reservation Window Post Creek Lookout may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees: $75 per night for up to 12 people
Reservations: Post Creek Lookout (Guard Station)
Maximum Stay:
Check-in and Check-out Times Check-in 2:00 PM
Check-out 12:00 PM

Post Creek Lookout Amenities
Cabin Exterior: Campfire ring, picnic table
Cabin Interior: Sleeping: Queen bed, twin bed, futon
Kitchen: dining table and chairs, dishes, pots, pans, utensils
Other: Lantern, cleaning supplies
NOT included: Visitors need to bring bedding (sleeping bags), pillows, water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, camp cook stove with fuel (for use outside, get fire permit), matches, food containers, toilet paper, paper towels, flashlight. No garbage service, bring garbage bags.
Shower: Yes
Attractions near Post Creek Lookout: Set out hiking or mountain biking on area roads and trails. Cool off in nearby Post Creek swimming hole or head on down for a swim in the cold water at Beegum Creek. Explore the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness.



Post Creek Lookout, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA


Trinity River Area
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to the magnificent Shasta-Trinity National Forest have a wide variety of interesting places to visit and scenic vistas to enjoy. Those staying at Post Creek Lookout have a number of attractions for day trips.

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

  • Hayfork Area Recreation
  • Try your luck fishing in Hayfork Creek.
  • Head out OHV riding in the Hayfork Ranger District.
  • Hike along any of more than a dozen great trails in the area such as Bailey Canyon Campground Trail, Lost Creek Trail, and Devils Backbone Trail.

Ruth Lake

  • Ruth Lake Bass Tournaments in early May and early June
  • Kids' Free Fishing Derby in May
  • Annual Ruth Lake Summer Festival on Labor Day weekend
  • Ruth Lake Events
  • Boat, waterski, and fish in Ruth Lake.
  • Fish Ruth Lake for rainbow trout, large & smallmouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill.
  • Rent fishing boats at the marina. Waterski and wakeboard on the lake.
  • Enjoy a meal at Journey's End Diner.


Check-In Procedure

Please call the Weaverville Ranger Station at (530) 623-2121 to confirm lock combination 4 days prior to arrival.

Key Post Creek Lookout Regulations

  1. To avoid problems with bears, do not leave food outside unattended.
  2. No smoking is permitted inside the cabin.
  3. Fires are only permitted in provided fire rings. Obtain firewood locally such as in Hayfork.
  4. Remove all food (even unopened cans) and garbage when you leave.
  5. Renters are expected to clean up after themselves and prepare the hut for the next group. Cleaning supplies are provided.
  6. Read the Need to Know section on Recreation.gov.

Other Forest Service Cabins

Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Six Rivers National Forest

Lassen National Forest

Mendocino National Forest