McCarthy Point Lookout was constructed in 1936 by the Conservation Corps and was used as an observation point for detecting fires from 1937 to the mid 1960s. With the advent of World War II, lookout personnel were trained to spot aircraft in addition to watching for fires. This war time occupation was part of the Aircraft Warning Service (AWS), which organized aircraft spotters all along the West coast. This was a regular lookout function until the end of the war.

McCarthy Point differs from most lookout towers because it is a "cab" perched atop a natural rock outcropping instead of a man made tower. On active lookouts one person is employed from late June to late September. Searching for fires is an all day and sometimes an all night, seven day a week job. Because of the improved technology available in fire prevention and detection McCarthy Point is no longer needed as an active lookout.

Due to the remote location, several years of sporadic use and vandalism, McCarthy became run down. In 1994 the Forest Service hosted a passport In Time (PIT) project to refurbish McCarthy Point. For three years the Forest Service and the PIT volunteers worked diligently to return it (as closely as possible) to its original condition. The Forest Service is always looking for historical information on places like McCarthy Point. If you know of anyone who has information or old photographs, please contact the Almanor Ranger District.

McCarthy Point is approximately 3,600 feet above sea level and is located in a very remote area of the Lassen National Forest. It sits on the southern edge of the Mill Creek Rim facing north and overlooking the scenic Mill Creek Canyon and into the Ishi Wilderness. The access road and the lookout itself are kept locked at all times. Directions will given upon rental.

The Ishi Wilderness is nearby and provides many miles of hiking trails and fishing streams. The wilderness is named for the last surviving member of the Yahi Yana Indian tribe. Please contact the Almanor Ranger District if you would like more information or detailed maps on this area. Keep in mind that the foothills can be very inhospitable during the hottest summer months. The closest access to the wilderness is at Black Rock Campground.

Since McCarthy Point is inactive, we are offering the lookout on a rental basis for personal recreation use. The cost is $75.00 per night with a minimum requirement of two nights and a $200.00 security deposit that will be returned after a favorable inspection of the lookout. The nightly fee is deposited in a cooperative account and is used to maintain the lookout. McCarthy is closed for administrative purposes on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week.

The lookout is a two room cabin with a kitchen and bedroom. The "bedroom" is surrounded on three sides by windows, has overhead propane lights, two sleeping platforms (about the size of twin beds) and six old style army cots. The kitchen has overhead propane lights, a propane cook stove, a wood stove, double sinks with running water (hot water is not available), a large picnic style table with benches and a portable gas barbecue. The outdoor deck area has benches on two sides and is an ideal area for a family barbecue. Parking is provided at the top of a small hill near the garage. A paved trail approximately 1,000 feet long leads you from the parking area downhill to the lookout. While the trail is intended to be handicapped accessible, you should be aware that is has a long slope and one tight switchback turn. This could be difficult if you have a non-motorized wheelchair. The restroom is located at the parking area not at the lookout.

Mill Creek and the Ishi Wilderness are a five-mile drive from the lookout. These areas offer great swimming and hiking.

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