Mount Shasta dominates the landscape in Northern California, but this area is home to many hidden gems. Built in the 1920s, the Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout was used by the Forest Service until the late 70s. Now, it’s occasionally used by the Forest Service in times of extreme fire danger, but is primarily a cabin rental for guests.
Getting to Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
You’ll need to call the McCloud District Office between 8AM-4:50PM PST at (530) 964-2184 about a week prior to your visit to retrieve the combination lock to get inside, and any updated information. There is cell service here for Verizon, but do not rely on it as it’s quite spotty. There was very little cell service on the drive to the lookout.
Recreation.gov gives detailed written directions on getting to Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout. From McCloud, California, travel east on Highway 89 for 16 miles to Road 15 (the Harris Springs Rd). Turn left and travel on a paved road for about 4.5 miles on Road 15 to the 49 road (Powder Hill Road). Travel for approximately 28 miles northeast to the Medicine Lake area. From there, follow the road along the north side of Medicine Lake for approximately 4 miles to Little Mt. Hoffman. The last four miles are not paved, but you don’t need a high clearance vehicle or AWD to get there.
Plugging the location in on Google Maps yields the same directions.
What to Bring to Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
The Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout, but it’s quite bare bones. It sleeps up to four people, with two twin sized beds. You’ll need to bring cots or sleeping pads for folks who don’t want to be squeezed into a bed. There is lots of counter space, and a table with four chairs. There is a stove for heating, but it didn’t work.
Outside the cabin is a vault toilet, picnic table, and a fire ring. You’ll need to check California campfire restrictions before burning wood. And you’ll need a campfire permit for using a stove.
Here’s what you’ll need to bring:
- California Campfire permit, if you want to use a stove
- propane
- stove
- sleeping bag and pillows
- sleeping pad if there are more than two people
- food – your closest resupply is in Mt. Shasta, at least an hour and a half away
- water, there is no water available. The Dometic Water Jug and Water Faucet are my go-to.
- an eye mask – with panoramic windows in the bedroom, it gets bright in there with sunrise and lightning shows
- toilet paper – you can never have too much
- bug spray
- headlamps, lights, string lights
- battery bank to plug in your lights
What to Do at the Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
We spent all of our time hanging out at the lookout. We were lazy and didn’t feel like driving around. Instead, we worked on puzzles and read books. The Magic Puzzle Company puzzles are our favorite. They are so complex and detailed. They are a great way to pass the time.
If you’re looking for more active ideas:
- Drive down to Medicine Lake to swim
- Head to Lava Beds National Monument
- Check out Glass Mountain
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout is when it’s open. Because the window to book this spot is so narrow, book it if you can, no matter the date. Early summer, or early fall would be most ideal for cooler temperatures. This sits high up with no shade whatsoever.
The fire lookout gets quite toasty inside in the sun. The windows open, but there are no screens to protect from bugs.
We visited over Labor Day Weekend in 2023 and the weather was relatively mild, but your mileage may vary greatly.
Booking Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout
Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout is reservable on Recreation.gov. The available season is June through October. The cost is $75 per night.
Looking for similar places to stay? Post Creek Guard Station is nearby. Try Robbs Mountain Hut near Pollock Pines. Visit the Girard Ridge Fire Lookout by Castle Crags. Calpine Fire Lookout is open year round for visitors.
Last updated on January 29, 2025.
