§ 02 — OVERVIEW
Black Mountain Lookout remained closed for the 2020 season and is expected to remain closed into 2021. Closure is due to COVID related demands in maintaining a safe environment for our customers and our staff. 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.
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.
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.
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.
§ 04 — CONDITIONS
National Weather Service · seven-day outlook · updated hourly
§ 05 — SIGNAL
FCC broadband data · actual signal varies in remote terrain
§ 06—09 — FROM THE FIELD
Community Intel from visitors, written reviews, dated trip reports, and reader-submitted photographs.
§ 07 — REVIEWS
§ 08 — TRIP REPORTS
§ 09 — COMMUNITY PHOTOS
reservations may only be modified or cancelled up to three days in advance of arrival date.
§ 03 — TRAILS NEARBY
Nearby Trails
Sign the ledger to file a review.
Trip Reports
0 reports
Sign in to add your own photos.
No community photos yet — be the first to share one from your visit.
§ 01 — VITALS
AT&T
T-Mobile
Verizon
Based on FCC availability data. Actual signal may vary in remote terrain.
Tod
78°F
Sunny
5 to 15 mph W
Sun
82°F
Sunny
5 mph N
Mon
89°F
Sunny
5 to 10 mph N
Tue
91°F
Sunny
5 to 15 mph W
Wed
89°F
Sunny
5 to 15 mph W
Thu
88°F
Sunny
5 to 15 mph SW
Fri
84°F
Sunny
5 to 20 mph SW
