CALPINE LOOKOUT

In early October, Missy invited me to spend two nights at the Calpine Lookout located in the Sierra Nevadas of the Tahoe National Forest.

We made some stops along the way. We checked out Donner Lake. 

We also stopped for gas and snacks in Old Towne Auburn. Here we were educated on some gold rush history with a memorial statue and plaque dedicated to its founder. There was also an old historical Auburn firehouse built in 1852. 

Calpine Lookout was constructed in 1934 by the CCC. It was actively used until 1975 and stands tall at 5,980 ft. it's one of the few remaining windmill-style lookouts.

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, a small table with chairs and two beds with lots of counter space. To add, they provided utensils, cookware, cleaning supplies & more.

Oh and we had cell service.

The next day we checked out some local hikes. We did a short hike on the Gray Eagle trail located in Plumas National Forest. 

We found a beautiful waterfall just below the highway that crosses the PCT. It's called Heart Falls, North of the Yuba River. Love falls gets its name from the huge heart-shaped rock just below the bridge. My pictures don't do it justice. You have to see it In person to appreciate its beauty.

On our last day, we did lots of sightseeing. I was on a Fall colors mission and we decided to take the scenic route home on Hwy 395 through the Eastern Sierras and found the most spectacular array of Fall colors.

We found an old abandoned cabin that was surrounded by sun-kissed trees that displayed a fiery gold color. 

We found a 2002 Fireman's memorial off the highway. What caught my eye were all the firemen's t-shirts hanging from a fence as the wind was blowing. It was sad to see the boots and other items placed near the memorial. There was also a dedication plaque. 

   We also stopped to view Lake Tahoe.

I would highly recommend booking Calpine Lookout. It is a long wait to get a reservation and for now, they are fully booked for all of 2023. This was one adventure I will never forget!