UPPER LAKE, Calif. – The Pine Mountain Lookout, located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Upper Lake in the Mendocino National Forest, will open for its tenth recreational season Tuesday, May 1.

In 2002 the Forest Service began renting the lookout for $50 a night with a two night minimum.

Inside, the lookout is furnished with four cots, two bunk beds and a small dining room set. Outside, the site has a picnic table, pedestal charcoal grill and fire ring.

There also is a vault toilet a short walk from the main building.

Visitors interested in using the facility should be aware that there is no electricity and no water available.

The facility can be accessed by car without requiring four-wheel drive or high clearance.

“The Pine Mountain Lookout is a lot like camping, only with the benefit of a structure to offer protection from the elements while enjoying the amazing views,” said District Ranger Lee Johnson.

The season for the lookout runs from May 1 through October 31.  Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance.

To prepare the site for the opening of the season, on Thursday approximately 15 Mendocino National Forest employees gathered to work on the site. This included opening up the lookout, cleaning, fuels reduction and other preparation projects.

Maintenance and upkeep throughout the season is funded in part through the $50 reservation fee. The entire fee is reinvested at the site.

However, public support has played a large part in funding improvements at the site and maintaining the historic integrity.  

The Lake County RAC in 2007 agreed to pay $13,000 for a new chemical toilet building and in 2009 approved $3,500 to paint the lookout.

The lookout’s olive green color is matched to the color used by the Army during its time as an aircraft spotting station.

“We really appreciate the hard work from all of the volunteers and the support of the local community,” said Johnson. “With recreation funds being stretched further each year, the commitment to preserving and maintaining this treasured lookout is an incredible help.”

At 4,400 feet in elevation, the Pine Mountain Lookout is unique in that it has a 180-degree view rather than the typical 360-degree view. The view looks out to the west, providing the opportunity to view spectacular sunsets.

The lookout is located in a mixed forest or Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, black oak and madrone.

The Pine Mountain Lookout was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) for the U.S. Forest Service in 1933.  

From 1933 to 1941, the structure was used as a fire lookout. During World War II, the lookout became an aircraft spotting station for the U.S. Army. This task included watching for Japanese fire balloons.

After 17 years of use, the lookout was closed in 1950 and the building was abandoned.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 required buildings 50 years or older to be evaluated for inclusion into the National Register of Historic Places.  

During the 1980s, this brought attention to many of the structures constructed by the CCCs in the 1930s.  

In 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.

In 1989, intentions were made to put the lookout into the national rental program, which made historic cabins and structures available for public use.  

Following 13 years of restoration and work, the lookout finally entered the national rental program during the 2002 season.

Ten years later, the lookout is a popular destination not only for local residents, but also international visitors.

The lookout’s logbook has comments from visitors as far away as Australia, Japan, Denmark and England.

For more information, please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino .