UPPER LAKE – The historic Pine Mountain Lookout is open to the public for rental from May 17 to Sept. 30.

The lookout is located on the Upper Lake Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest. This year is the lookout will only be rented through the online process by going to recreation.gov. The process is easy to complete.

The rustic lookout was constructed on the western shoulder of Pine Mountain overlooking the Van Arsdale area. It is located on a rock outcrop at 4,000 feet in elevation, in a mixed conifer forest setting. Bucknell Creek and the Eel River are the major drainages in the area.

The lookout was originally constructed in 1933, after lumber mills in the Van Arsdale area were destroyed by fires and later rebuilt. The lookout has an unusual 180-degree view to the west, northwest. Most lookouts have a view of 360 degrees.

Rental of this facility is by reservation only. Group size will be limited to six persons at one time. Renters must bring their own water, food, bedding and utensils and pack out all garbage.

The minimum stay is two nights and the maximum stay is seven days. The fee is $50 per night. Check in time is 2 p.m, with checkout time at noon.

Facilities at the lookout include: Dining table with chairs, pedestal grill, fire ring, sink, touch lights, vault toilet, one bunk bed and four cots, four metal chairs, picnic table, cabinets and a pantry.

You will need to bring your own bed rolls (air mattresses, mats, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc.) and you must bring any water you may need and garbage bags to pack out your garbage. Warm clothes for cool nights is recommended.

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