Review: Mccart Lookout

  • $30.00 /night
  • (5.0)5 reviews
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Rob Vida

6 years ago
5/5

The road to the trailhead is a decent single lane but rough. A low clearance vehicle could scrape bottom but our Explorer managed fine. The hike in is moderately difficult for us infrequent hikers because it is all uphill but clearly defined and well built. There are a few trees that have fallen across the trail and I wish I had brought a sharp axe to clear them.

The tower is a solid, comfortable living space for 2 people. There is a double bed with a soft thin mattress. For more than 2 people you would want to bring your own sleeping mat. The propane stove, lantern, pots and pans are in good shape. One 1lb propane tank lasted us 3 days on the stove and 4+ on the lantern. There is a cupboard full of entertainment like cards, cribbage board, novels and writing supplies.

There is a heavy splitting axe and 2 bow saws for wood. There was a lot of cut logs available that only had to be carried up to the base and split.

The woodstove is serviceable but a bit finicky. It was tricky to keep going but the weather and wood were wet. Balancing the flue and incoming air was tricky. Some parts are showing their age and rusting out so be gentle putting wood inside.

There is no cell phone reception. We had an inReach Mini and it worked great.

Hiking to the spring for water is a lot easier than carrying it from the trailhead but it is tricky to find. The side trail is marked by a small stone cairn but not well defined. I left a map and instructions with the other literature.

The view is spectacular but the nearby trees are tall enough to block some of the view of the lower valley. It rained for most of our visit but sometimes we could see the valleys full of clouds rolling by underneath us. It was spectacular.

The outhouse is solid and clean but a long rocky hike, especially in the dark. We brought a bucket for late night emergencies and it was a good thing. The tricky trail and rain made it worth having.

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