Last week Missy invited me to spend two nights at the Calpine Lookout located in Tahoe National Forest.
Calpine Lookout was constructed in 1934 by the CCC. It was actively used until 1975 and stands tall at 5,980 ft.
The Lookout was very cool. We were surrounded by tall Pine trees. It was very secluded and serene. We had the most beautiful sunsets & sunrises. And there was not a bear in sight.
We began our road trip early in the morning last Tuesday and made the 8 hour drive, arriving just in time for an amazing sunset at the lookout.
In my opinion the lookout was very accommodating & roomy for two people.
We had a wood burning stove, a regular small stove, a sink, small table with chairs and our two beds with lots of counter space. To add, they provided utensils, cookware, cleaning supplies & more.
They also had a small book case located where an Osborne fire finder would be in the center of the lookout.
Unfortunately, we failed to take pics of the interior. We were so excited to sleep there and explore the area that we forgot.
Oh and very importantly we had cell service.
The next day we checked out some local hikes and found a beautiful waterfall just below the highway.
It was called Heart Falls. My pictures don't do justice. You have to see it In person to appreciate its beauty.
On our last day we did lots of sight seeing. I was on a Fall colors mission and Missy was kind enough to stop several times along the highway.
We found a 2002 Fireman's memorial off the highway and stopped to view Lake Tahoe.
We decided to take the scenic route home on Hwy 395 through the Eastern Sierras and found the most spectacular array of Fall colors.
This is one adventure I will never forget. I was not aware that you could stay overnight at a Lookout. Apparently there are several lookouts that you can reserve. I would highly recommend booking this one but for now they are fully booked for all of 2023.
CALPINE LOOKOUT
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Girl Hiker
- Posts: 1297
- Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:46 am
More pics
We found this abandoned building off the highway surrounded by Fall colors.
We found this abandoned building off the highway surrounded by Fall colors.
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Girl Hiker
- Posts: 1297
- Joined: Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:46 am
She was lucky huh!! Heres my own post: https://angelesadventures.com/calpinelo/