Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout was constructed in the 1920s by the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and was in use until 1978. The lookout stands at 7,300 feet atop Little Mount Hoffman, 2½ miles west of Medicine Lake (shown above). From the lookout visitors enjoy panoramic views of the area including Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, and Mt. McLoughlin. Unlike many other lookouts, Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout rests close to the ground. Its 14-square-foot cabin is available for rent, although at times of extreme fire danger the Forest Service may need to use the lookout. The cabin sleeps 4.

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
US Forest Service, 1954

Cabin Features

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout features a surrounding wooden deck. Inside are a wood stove, a pair of cots, a bucket and shovel, storage cabinets, a dining table, fire extinguisher, and cleaning supplies. Outside are a BBQ pit and picnic table. A vault toilet building is nearby. The cabin has no electricity, water, or cooking facilities. Visitors must bring their own bedding, water supply and garbage bags to pack out their trash. Other recommended supplies include toilet paper, firewood, cooking utensils, extra batteries and a flashlight or lantern. "The use of portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed with a valid California campfire permit. " (US Forest Service)

Nearby Activities

Guests at the lookout enjoy sightseeing, stargazing, and photography. Little Mt. Hoffman sits on the rim of a huge ancient caldera, providing a panoramic view of a diverse volcanic landscape. Don't forget your camera and binoculars. Hiking, fishing, and mountain biking are available in the area. Nearby Medicine Lake makes a wonderful day trip. There, visitors find a day-use area with a boat dock and a large swim beach.

Read full details about the cabin and check for updates at Recreation.gov - Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
and
Shasta-Trinity NF - Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout.

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Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout Basics
Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout Location:	From Medicine Lake in Northern California follow the road along the north side of Medicine Lake for approximately 4 miles to Little Mt. Hoffman.
Access Road Cautions:	The final 4 miles to the lookout are not paved so RVs and trailers are not recommended. Most other vehicles have no difficulty reaching the lookout.
Elevation:	7,300 feet
Miles/Driving time from Gateway Cities:	Redding - 118 miles, 2:30 minutes Medford, OR - 126 miles, 2:48 Sacramento - 276 miles, 5:06
Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout Season:	July through mid-October, depending on weather
Max. Occupancy:	4
Maximum Number Vehicles:	4
Pets:	Yes
Operated by	Shasta-Trinity National Forest
McCloud Ranger District:	(530) 964-2184

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout Reservations
Reservation Window	Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees:	$75 per night
Reservations:	Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
Maximum Stay:	14 days
Check-in and Check-out Times	Check-in 12:00 PM Check-out 12:00 PM

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout Amenities
Cabin Exterior:	Picnic table, BBQ pit, vault toilet room.
Cabin Interior:	Inside: 2 twin beds, wood stove, dining table, chairs, storage cabinets, cleaning supplies, and fire extinguisher.
NOT included:	Bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, pillows, towels, food containers, toilet paper, flashlight, outdoor chairs, garbage bags. "Portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel is permitted with a valid California campfire permit. " (US Forest Service)
Showers:	No
Attractions near Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout:	Nearby hiking trails and mountain biking, and fishing. Drive to Medicine Lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. Visit the Pumice Crater and Crater Glass Flow Geologic Area, an 800-acre area 2 miles to the northeast. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers
Updates	Last Updated May 2025

Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors at the Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout find interesting places nearby to explore.

Take in the magnificent, 360-degree view from the lookout. Bring your camera and binoculars.
Visit the Pumice Crater and Crater Glass Flow Geologic Area, an 800-acre area 2 miles to the northeast with stunning geologic features including cinder cones, volcanic glass, pumice, faulting, ancient faulting and fissures.
Drive north to Lava Beds National Monument with many lava-tube caves visitors can explore on their own.
Drive to Medicine Lake for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Check-In Procedure

In order to access the lookout, renter must obtain combination for the lock at the McCloud District Office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or call (530) 964-2184 a week prior to arrival.