Black Mountain Lookout

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!

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.

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!!!

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).

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.

Nice cabin with good views. It can get chilly at night. The electric heater in the cabin does not work, so get some warm clothes and a good sleeping bag.

I loved it the view was just beautiful and the lookout very well maintained.

I truly enjoyed the Look Out! Amazing views, awesome sunsets, great cloud/weather watching, the bountiful wildflowers, butterflies ( hundreds of moths in the restroom, lol is not deterring me not to comeback. It’s quite an experience! The road was roughest the lasr 3m to the lookout ( my Traverse LT AWD- still hit a rock under once). Overall- plan to hopefully experience find spots on the remaining lookouts in California ❤️

My goodness...the wind up there will keep you inside and up all night, and then you can not talk because of the sound of the wind. The road was the scariest thing i have ever been on, and its so tight that a boulder took a chunk out of my car door!!!! Not to mention the dust that I created that blinded my friend behind me. He had to stop and let me get a mile ahead. View was nice but damn that wind!

Well equipped, well maintained, and beautiful setting. Appreciate those who keep it going! It was our fourth stay, already planning our return in 2023.