Black Mountain Lookout stands among the Diamond Mountains, south of Susanville and west of Honey Lake. The beautifully maintained lookout was erected in 1934 and remodeled by volunteers between 2008 and 2010. Views stretch from Honey Lake to Last Chance Creek. Frenchman Lake (shown above), with boating and fishing, is only a 30-minute drive to the south. The single-room lookout has sleeping space to 4 visitors, while another 4 may set up a tent outside. No water is available at this facility, so guests must bring their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.
Black Mountain Lookout
Black Mountain Lookout has 2 twin beds with mattresses, electric lights, stove/oven, refrigerator, dry sink, some kitchenware and utensils, table and chairs, and a heater. Outside is a picnic table and nearby is the vault toilet room.
Watch for wildlife such as deer, coyotes, bald eagles, and osprey. A 30-minute drive from the lookout is Frenchman Lake, popular for boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. Star gazing at the lookout is amazing. Nearby are dirt roads great for mountain biking and hiking.
Read full details about the cabin and check for updates at Recreation.gov - Black Mountain Lookout
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Plumas National Forest - Black Mountain Lookout
| Black Mountain Lookout Basics | |
|---|---|
| Black Mountain Lookout Location: | 10 miles off Highway 395 near Milford. High clearance vehicles are recommended for the final dirt road leading up to the lookout. |
| Elevation: | 7,060 feet |
| Miles/Driving time from Gateway Cities: | Susanville - 32 miles, 54 minutes
Reno - 70 miles, 1:49 Sacramento - 180 miles, 4:10 |
| Black Mountain Lookout Cabin Season: | Memorial Day weekend through late October, depending on weather |
| Max. Occupancy: | 8 |
| Maximum Number Vehicles: | 4 |
| Pets: | Yes |
| Operated by | Plumas National Forest |
| Beckwourth Ranger District: | (530) 836-2575 |
| Black Mountain Lookout Reservations | |
|---|---|
| Reservation Window | Black Mountain Lookout may be reserved from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date |
| Fees: | $60 per night |
| Reservations: | Black Mountain Lookout |
| Maximum Stay: | 14 days |
| Check-in and Check-out Times | Check-in 2:00 PM
Check-out 1:00 PM |
| Black Mountain Lookout Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Cabin Exterior: | Picnic table, vault toilet room |
| Cabin Interior: | Sleeping: 2 twin beds Kitchen: stove/oven, refrigerator, dry sink, some kitchenware and utensils, table and chairs Other: Vault toilet outside, picnic table |
| NOT included: | Visitors need to bring bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), water for drinking and cleaning, warm clothing (can get windy and cold), pillows, towels, dish towels, dish soap, food containers, toilet paper, flashlight, outdoor chairs, garbage bags. |
| Showers: | No |
| Attractions near Black Mountain Lookout: | Nearby are hiking trails, scenic cycling roads such as Sierra Valley Road Cycling, and mountain biking. A 20 mile drive leads to the wonderful Lakes Basin Recreation Area with many great lakes for kayaking and fishing, and scenic hiking trails. Drive north to Graeagle for restaurants, hiking, shopping, special events, and golf.
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated May 2025 |
Those who camp at Black Mountain Lookout are not far from the Plumas National Forest attractions.
Entry to the cabin is by key; contact the Beckwourth Ranger District at (530) 836-2575 for the combination to the lock box and to check on any restrictions or conditions, such as fire or road closures, weather or storms that may affect the quality of your visit. The office is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
