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

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms

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 mi 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.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

🏠 Cabin
  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (36)

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
36 reviews
5
44.4%
16
4
44.4%
16
3
11.1%
4
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Larry S

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

4

It started snowing as we arrived at the lookout. This was cool to watch and made the lookout seem like a palace in a fairyland. The place was clean and neat. The best part was the piles of short cut firewood both inside the lookout and outside on the porch. The little wood stove kept us warm all night. Mt. Shasta came out from the clouds for a few minutes the next morning for a short view of that massive white pile of vanilla ice cream.
Loved our time at the lookout but the wife chose to spend the next night at a campsite at a lower elevation.
Thank you for another great experience.

Larry S

Verified

January 16, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

4

It started snowing as we arrived at the lookout. This was cool to watch and made the lookout seem like a palace in a fairyland. The place was clean and neat. The best part was the piles of short cut firewood both inside the lookout and outside on the porch. The little wood stove kept us warm all night. Mt. Shasta came out from the clouds for a few minutes the next morning for a short view of that massive white pile of vanilla ice cream.
Loved our time at the lookout but the wife chose to spend the next night at a campsite at a lower elevation.
Thank you for another great experience.

Greg W

Verified

January 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

4

Beautiful view of the surrounding forest and mountain. Clean lookout tower and restroom. Wish we could have had a camp fire. No refrigerator or stove. Had a great time. Will do it again.

Greg W

Verified

January 20, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

4

Beautiful view of the surrounding forest and mountain. Clean lookout tower and restroom. Wish we could have had a camp fire. No refrigerator or stove. Had a great time. Will do it again.

Lynn F

Verified

January 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

We really enjoyed the experience!

Lynn F

Verified

January 25, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

5

We really enjoyed the experience!

Romain P

Verified

August 1, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

3

Very scenic view and comfortable space in the cabin. Unfortunately we were forced to evacuate because of the Caldwell fire, so we couldn't spend the night.

Romain P

Verified

August 1, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

3

Very scenic view and comfortable space in the cabin. Unfortunately we were forced to evacuate because of the Caldwell fire, so we couldn't spend the night.

James R

Verified

August 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

4

Great Mt top lookout
Road from Medicine lake was easy 4 mi
Well worth the effort

James R

Verified

August 12, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LITTLE MT. HOFFMAN LOOKOUT

4

Great Mt top lookout
Road from Medicine lake was easy 4 mi
Well worth the effort

Location & Directions for Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

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

Elevation: 2,178 ft

Nearest town

Mccloud, CA - 49 mi

About over 1 hr (70 min) to downtown

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: October 20, 2026

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Explore Mccloud, CA

Population: 829

Nearby larger city

Redding, CA

Approx. 78 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 3,271 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service