Black Mountain Lookout

PO Box 7, 530-836-2575
Blairsden, CA 96103

Overview

Black Mountain Lookout is located on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District, 10 miles from Highway 395, near Milford, California.

The lookout was constructed in 1934 and is a great example of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) architecture. The C-3-type lookout is situated on a single story 10 foot tower and is extremely well-preserved.

The lookout tower is normally available for Memorial Day weekend through October, offering guests a unique lodging experience in Plumas National Forest.

Recreation

Hiking, birding, stargazing and wildlife viewing are popular among guests of the lookout. On a clear night, visitors can gaze upon the expansive sky as it unfolds with a dazzling display of stars.

Facilities

The one-room lookout cabin is set on a tower, rising 10 feet above the ground. It is furnished with two single beds with mattresses, but can accommodate up to four people. There is also space for tent camping adjacent to the lookout, for up to four visitors.

The cabin has a small table and chairs, a refrigerator, a small stove, heater, and lights, all powered with electricity. A picnic table and vault toilet are also on site.

Although the lookout provides a few amenities, guests must bring several of their own, including food, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, towels, dish soap and garbage bags.

No water is available at this facility, so guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing. Packing an additional light source is also recommended.

Natural Features

The Plumas National Forest is defined by its unique land features and pleasant climate. Outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to the many streams and lakes, beautiful deep canyons, rich mountain valleys, meadows and lofty peaks.

Guests at Black Mountain Lookout are treated to striking views of Honey Lake to the north, and Last Chance Creek to the south.

Diverse vegetation provides a habitat for wildlife including deer, coyotes, bald eagles and osprey.

Frenchman Lake is within a 30-minute drive from the lookout. This lake is popular for swimming, water skiing, fishing and camping.

Charges & Cancellations

reservations may only be modified or cancelled up to three days in advance of arrival date.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Pets allowed: all 1 sites
Largest party: 8 people

Directions

Access to the lookout is by a dirt road; high clearance vehicles are recommended. Visitors should be aware that access is subject to inclement weather during the early and late season. Black Mountain Lookout is located on the eastern edge of the Beckwourth Ranger District, 10 miles from Highway 395, near Milford, California. From Highway 395 at Milford take County Road 336 to Milford Grade. Turn right onto Milford Grade (also named County Road 336 and Forest Rd. 26N70. Turn left on Forest Road 26N80 and continue on this road to lookout.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 1 PM.

Reviews

15 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Kelsey W

Loop:Black Mountain Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

First time staying at a lookout, it was awesome! I didn't feel incredibly comfortable being so close to the cell phone/power towers but the rest of the experience was amazing. Don't forget to bring water!

Carlos M

Loop:Black Mountain Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

The lookout was a great place to stay the night. Serene and beautiful. We loved it... this place is in high demand for good reason. However, there are some things you MUST know... 1/ you NEED a high clearance vehicle to make it to the lookout, otherwise you'll have to park the vehicle as close as you can and hike the rest of the way up (we did this and i don't recommend it). 2/ The lookout has a dry sink so you must take water (potable and drinking water). 3/ take sleeping bags. the lookout has 2 beds, but you'll be more comfortable and warm if you wrap yourself in a sleeping bag. We would love to return and enjoy the lookout in the future!

Julien D

Loop:Black Mountain Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

Everything was just as expected. I stay at various Fire Lookouts yearly. This one is a shining star, with a fridge and microwave as a bonus. Not a ton of shade but it’s in a great spot to overlook the east Plumas all the way to Lassen Pk. Third year in a row and the Beckworth Ranger District has done a great job keeping her up. There’s a work day scheduled in August with new exterior paint coming. Highly recommended.

Amy W

Loop:Black Mountain Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 5 months ago

This was a summer stay we were so looking forward to this stay, but that didn’t get to happen! Whatever you do make sure to contact the Ranger Station and ‘ double check’ your codes given!!!

William C

Loop:Black Mountain Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

The lookout has spectacular views and everything was working, with the exception of the USB lanterns someone left there. Some were missing the power supplies and cables. There were 2 fixtures but only one bulb, but we had a spare light bulb with us, so light was not a problem at nigh; we left the bulb for future guests. The windows were functional, but no screens to keep insects out. In addition, there are large gaps in the frame so that when the wind blows, there is quite a breeze in the room. The vault toilet after dark was a challenge but we came prepared for that 2 AM call of nature us old farts experience! It is a wonderful piece of history to experience, although we did not do much hiking due to lack of trails nearby and inclement weather. Cell service is strong, perhaps because of the tower on top of the next hill (1/4 mile away as the crow flies?). Unfortunately, there was a streetlight there that broke the absolute darkness when we turned off our lights; curtains would help (we used towels).

Bailey M

Loop:Black Mountain Lookout

Site:

Reviewed 2 years ago

Staying here was awesome! Such a unique experience and the views are great. Cell service with Verizon was excellent. If it's going to be hot during your stay do be prepared for the tower to be hot inside as well - with all of the windows the sun really heats it up.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve