OutReserve

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT
LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT
LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT
LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT
LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly

About Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout was constructed in the 1920s and was used by the Forest Service on a regular basis until 1978. It is one of the few remaining historic lookouts in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The lookout is still used by the Forest Service in times of extreme fire danger. The lookout is accessible by car, but the last 4 miles are on unpaved roads and difficult for RVs and cars with trailers to navigate. Visitors must bring many of their own supplies. The accommodations of this lookout may be rustic, but the views guarantee that visitors will have a memorable stay.

Number of accommodations: 1

Nearby Activities & Attractions

Hiking

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Jul 1

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (34)

What Guests Are Saying

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout offers a well-maintained cabin and restroom, providing an enjoyable "glamping" experience with stunning 360-degree views of the night sky, beautiful sunsets, and proximity to Medicine Lake. While the access road is rough and the gate can be heavy, the overall setting is peaceful, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Guests appreciate the cleanliness of facilities, though some report issues with flies and mosquitoes, particularly during warmer months.

Review Summary

4.3
34 reviews
5
41.2%
14
4
47.1%
16
3
11.8%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Elizabeth M

Verified

December 23, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

3

The gate at the bottom of the hill was sprung and required 3 of us to lift and swing it up inti the post to lock it.

Elizabeth M

Verified

December 23, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

3

The gate at the bottom of the hill was sprung and required 3 of us to lift and swing it up inti the post to lock it.

Ava J

Verified

September 24, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

The lookout and restroom were very well taken care of. On the way up, medicine lake was a nice spot to enjoy. The 360 views of the night sky was the best part of the lookout!! It does get really cold at night later in the season so bring extra blankets!

Ava J

Verified

September 24, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

The lookout and restroom were very well taken care of. On the way up, medicine lake was a nice spot to enjoy. The 360 views of the night sky was the best part of the lookout!! It does get really cold at night later in the season so bring extra blankets!

Michael C

Verified

August 11, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

We spent 3 nights up there, fantastic. Quiet, perfect weather, and didn’t forget anything. What an experience, definitely will try to get back in the future. We went to Little Glass Mountaintain and just loved it. We brought blowup paddle boards and kayaks for a day at the lake, just perfect. I brought a 250 gallon water tank which we all enjoyed, hot showers, clean dishes, and no rationing. We ate great, drank heartily, and slept peacefully. Views of sunrises,and sunsets magical. Thank you little Mount Hoffman

Michael C

Verified

August 11, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

We spent 3 nights up there, fantastic. Quiet, perfect weather, and didn’t forget anything. What an experience, definitely will try to get back in the future. We went to Little Glass Mountaintain and just loved it. We brought blowup paddle boards and kayaks for a day at the lake, just perfect. I brought a 250 gallon water tank which we all enjoyed, hot showers, clean dishes, and no rationing. We ate great, drank heartily, and slept peacefully. Views of sunrises,and sunsets magical. Thank you little Mount Hoffman

Susan C

Verified

July 21, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

Awesome experience at Little Mt. Hoffman Fire Lookout on Saturday night, July 12th. Getting a reservation takes some determination (make sure you get on-line first thing in the morning, or you'll never get the dates you want, and you still might need to try a couple times to get ahead of others). Otherwise the process was easy and the communication and reminders from Recreation.gov were very good. A gate code was sent about 3 weeks before our reservation date.

The dirt road from Medicine Lake to the lookout it pretty rough with some big ruts and rocks in places. We had an SUV but I wouldn't recommend it with a regular sedan. We were there on an extremely hot weekend, but it was still great. The gate itself is very heavy; it's easier if you have two people. We left the gate open because we planned to go out to Little Glass Mountain after unloading our gear at the lookout, and one vehicle did drive up while we were getting settled in. Later in the evening, we had two separate parties (2 people each) who walked up from the gate to get the views. They didn't stay long and respected our privacy.

The weather was pretty clear. There was a small fire to the NE so the hills had quite a bit of haze (but not smoke) in the evening and less the next morning. The views were amazing. We were pleasantly surprised to find toilet paper well-stocked by the USFS in the restroom, as well as a couple containers of wet wipes, fly swatters, a lantern (didn't use), binocs. Restroom/cabin were clean and tidy. Lots of flies and in the late evening, lots of mosquitoes. The cabin only has two small half-screens so it got a bit stuffy and we couldn't open the door without letting in flies and mosquitoes.

Beautiful sunset, full-ish moon so it stayed light pretty much all night, early sunrise. Highly recommend this "glamping" experience. There was wood stocked, but we didn't use the wood stove. We brought a camp stove so we could have coffee in the morning. Bring flashlights, bug spray.

Susan C

Verified

July 21, 2025 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

Awesome experience at Little Mt. Hoffman Fire Lookout on Saturday night, July 12th. Getting a reservation takes some determination (make sure you get on-line first thing in the morning, or you'll never get the dates you want, and you still might need to try a couple times to get ahead of others). Otherwise the process was easy and the communication and reminders from Recreation.gov were very good. A gate code was sent about 3 weeks before our reservation date.

The dirt road from Medicine Lake to the lookout it pretty rough with some big ruts and rocks in places. We had an SUV but I wouldn't recommend it with a regular sedan. We were there on an extremely hot weekend, but it was still great. The gate itself is very heavy; it's easier if you have two people. We left the gate open because we planned to go out to Little Glass Mountain after unloading our gear at the lookout, and one vehicle did drive up while we were getting settled in. Later in the evening, we had two separate parties (2 people each) who walked up from the gate to get the views. They didn't stay long and respected our privacy.

The weather was pretty clear. There was a small fire to the NE so the hills had quite a bit of haze (but not smoke) in the evening and less the next morning. The views were amazing. We were pleasantly surprised to find toilet paper well-stocked by the USFS in the restroom, as well as a couple containers of wet wipes, fly swatters, a lantern (didn't use), binocs. Restroom/cabin were clean and tidy. Lots of flies and in the late evening, lots of mosquitoes. The cabin only has two small half-screens so it got a bit stuffy and we couldn't open the door without letting in flies and mosquitoes.

Beautiful sunset, full-ish moon so it stayed light pretty much all night, early sunrise. Highly recommend this "glamping" experience. There was wood stocked, but we didn't use the wood stove. We brought a camp stove so we could have coffee in the morning. Bring flashlights, bug spray.

Patrick P

Verified

August 9, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

This was SUCH a great trip! It was a bit smoky from the Park fire, but the lookout wasn't in the smoke most of the time, just the surrounding area. We had great views most of the time too, although even Shasta disappeared for a day. The lookout itself is really cozy, and provided shade throughout the day. As others have said, the lookout does get hot inside, even with the two windows and door open, but sitting in a camp chair in the shade was great. If you have a dog and keep a water dish outside, just know that it will be full of bees drinking from it too, which we were fine with. The proximity to Medicine lake was awesome! Just a short drive to a beautiful little lake. :)

Patrick P

Verified

August 9, 2024 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

This was SUCH a great trip! It was a bit smoky from the Park fire, but the lookout wasn't in the smoke most of the time, just the surrounding area. We had great views most of the time too, although even Shasta disappeared for a day. The lookout itself is really cozy, and provided shade throughout the day. As others have said, the lookout does get hot inside, even with the two windows and door open, but sitting in a camp chair in the shade was great. If you have a dog and keep a water dish outside, just know that it will be full of bees drinking from it too, which we were fine with. The proximity to Medicine lake was awesome! Just a short drive to a beautiful little lake. :)

Location Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Address:
P.O. Box 1620
Mccloud, CA, 96057
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 41.5786 / -121.66

Elevation: 2178 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • In order to access the lookout, renter must obtain combination for the lock at the McCloud District Office or call (530) 964-2184 a week prior to arrival.
  • A reservation is required to stay at Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout; no walk-ins accepted.
  • A free California campfire permit can be obtained at any Forest Service or California Department of Forestry Office.
  • Smoking is prohibited within the lookout; smoke only in vehicles or an area cleared of all flammable material.
  • The mountain top and area surrounding the lookout is open to the public; renters have sole use of the lookout building.
  • When walking, stay on the roads and watch for sensitive plant signs; do not walk past the signs.
  • Click here for more information about Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 3, 2026

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