How to camp out in a California wildfire lookout tower
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The Black Mountain Lookout Tower in the San Bernardino National Forest, just north of Idyllwild, California. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
If you want a million-dollar view for less than $100 a night, one option rises above the rest: camping in a wildfire lookout tower.
The big picture: The U.S. Forest Service rents dozens of its old, remote fire lookouts now that infrared tools and aircraft have replaced human eyes in most areas.
- The "cabins" are like mountain lighthouses, designed for 360-degree views from high peaks.
Driving the news: Some of the lookouts' fall and winter reservations are open now, so hop online pronto if you want a chance to stay there.
- Several are located near the Bay Area, including Oak Flat Lookout in Sequoia National Forest and Sardine Peak Lookout in Tahoe National Forest.
Catch up quick: Foresters built about 5,000 watch stations around the Western states after massive wildfires in 1910 consumed about 20 million acres and killed more than 80 people in Montana and Idaho.
- Before that, there wasn't a coordinated wildfire alert system.
By the numbers: As of 2019, about 300 were still staffed, mostly by volunteers who regularly scanned the landscape and sounded the alarm as needed.
- Now about 75 "retired" lookouts are available for tourists to rent in states like California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
Zoom in: My family spent the 4th at Thompson Peak, Montana, marveling at the scenery — and, at night, the stars.
How it works: Like many sought-after Recreation.gov reservations, the lookouts aren't easily searchable (thanks, Booz Allen) — but explore the options, filtering for cabins and lookouts.
- Keep an eye on the individual site you're interested in, and mark your calendar for the date reservations become available. They get snapped up quickly.
The fine print: Check the tower's page to learn about parking, guest capacity, cell service, electricity and water — and how you get up there.
- Some are built on the ground; others are on rocks or at the top of a lot of stairs.
- Prices range from $30 to $100 per night.
What's next: Plan your own trip. Here are a few to check out.
- Hirz Mountain Lookout, Girard Ridge Lookout, Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout and Post Creek Guard Station in Shasta-Trinity National Forest
- Calpine Lookout and Sardine Peak Lookout in Tahoe National Forest
- Pine Mountain Lookout in Mendocino National Forest
- McCarthy Point Lookout in Lassen National Forest
- Bear Basin Lookout in Six Rivers National Forest
- Black Mountain Lookout in Plumas National Forest
- Oak Flat Lookout in Sequoia National Forest