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Anthony Peak Lookout Trail

Mendocino National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
2.5 mi
Elevation Gain
700 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
No Lot
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Anthony Peak fire lookout (6,054 ft) with 360-degree views
  • Views north to Black Butte, Mount Shasta, and the Cascades on clear days
  • Historic USFS fire lookout tower from the 1930s
  • Short enough for a half-day visit
  • One of the better accessible summit views in the northern Mendocino

Overview

The Anthony Peak Lookout Trail climbs to one of the northern Mendocino National Forest's most panoramic viewpoints, a historic fire lookout tower at 6,054 feet with views extending from Mount Shasta to the San Francisco Bay. The 2.5-mile round trip is compact but climbs 700 feet on a direct path through white fir and mixed conifer to the open summit. The lookout itself is a 1930s structure typical of the USFS lookout system that once covered the western national forests.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.0: Forest climb. The trail ascends directly from the trailhead through white fir and red fir forest. The grade is consistently steep but the trail surface is well-maintained. Views begin to appear through breaks in the canopy around mile 0.7.

Miles 1.0 to 1.25: Summit. The forest opens onto the rocky summit area and the lookout tower. The views in all directions are the reward for the climb.

When to Hike

May through October after road opens. July and August require early starts for the exposed summit.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. No water on trail. Wind layer for the summit.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 23N07 from State Route 162 north of Covelo. High-clearance recommended.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom facilities are at the trailhead; plan accordingly. No water source is available at the trailhead; carry all water from home. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is May through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Mendocino National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Eel River Trail provides the riparian contrast to this summit hike. See the Mendocino National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles at the historic lookout structure.

Trailhead Parking

Anthony Peak Trailhead on Forest Road 23N07, north of Covelo. Gravel road, high-clearance recommended. Small lot. No fee.

← Back to Mendocino National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Anthony Peak lookout tower accessible to visitors?
The lookout tower on Anthony Peak may be accessible to visitors when it is not staffed, but conditions and access vary seasonally. Check with the Mendocino National Forest office for current status of the lookout. The summit and surrounding views are accessible regardless of the tower's staffing status. Some historic lookout towers in the national forests are available to rent as overnight accommodations through Recreation.gov; check current availability for Anthony Peak.
What can I see from Anthony Peak?
From the summit of Anthony Peak at 6,054 feet, the views on clear days extend north to Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak in the Cascades, east across the Sacramento Valley, south toward Clear Lake and San Francisco Bay, and west toward the Pacific Ocean through breaks in the Coast Range. The inner Coast Range panorama is one of the most extensive in Mendocino National Forest.
Is the Anthony Peak Trail suitable for families?
The Anthony Peak trail is short (2.5 miles round trip) but involves 700 feet of elevation gain concentrated in the relatively brief distance, making it steeper than the mileage suggests. It is manageable for older children and families used to moderate climbing. The summit reward of the lookout tower and views is engaging for children. Arrive early to avoid the exposed summit during afternoon heat.