Girard Ridge Lookout

Girard Ridge Lookout stands on a peak south of Dunsmuir in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Constructed in 1931, the fire lookout is now available for rent from the Forest Service for up to 4 people. Spectacular views from the lookout include Mount Shasta, Castle Crags, and the Sacramento River, with glimpses through the trees as far south as Mount Lassn. The lookout was restored in 1997-98. Girard Ridge Lookout has no cooking facilities, no water and no electricity. "The use of portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed [outside] with a valid California campfire permit, but no wood or charcoal fires are permitted."

Cabin Features

Girard Ridge Lookout is a single 14-foot-square room with a surrounding catwalk, 13 feet above the ground. Inside are 2 twin bed with mattresses. Storage cabinets are available along with a table for eating. A vault toilet restroom is located about 30 feet from the base of the lookout stairs. Renter must obtain gate combination by calling (530) 964-2184 1 week prior to arrival.

Nearby Activities

Enjoying the surrounding scenery is one of the main pleasures of the lookout. Nearby are trails and dirt roads for hiking and mountain biking. Three miles to the north is the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Fishing in the Sacramento River is popular. Castle Crags State Park is just across the river.

Read full details about the cabin and check for updates at Recreation.gov - Girard Ridge Lookout and Shasta-Trinity NF - Girard Ridge Lookout.

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Girard Ridge Lookout Basics
Girard Ridge Lookout Location:	Exit Interstate 5 at Soda Creek exit 726 south of Dunsmuir. Cross to the east side of the Sacramento River and follow road to Girard Ridge Road, then Forest Service Road Number 39N13. Watch for marked left turn road to Lookout.
Access Road Cautions:	The dirt roads leading to Girard Ridge Lookout in places are steep and narrow; high clearance vehicles are recommended. The access roads to the lookout run mostly through private timberlands and log truck traffic should be expected.
Elevation:	4,809 feet
Miles/Driving time from Gateway Cities:	Redding - 56 miles, 1:17 Medford, OR - 107 miles, 2:07 Sacramento - 214 miles, 3:34
Girard Ridge Lookout Season:	June or July through late October, depending on weather
Max. Occupancy:	4
Maximum Number Vehicles:	4
Pets:	Not specified
Operated by	Shasta-Trinity National Forest
McCloud Ranger District:	(530) 964-2184

Girard Ridge Lookout Reservations
Reservation Window	Girard Ridge Lookout may be reserved from 2 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees:	$75 per night
Reservations:	Black Mountain Lookout
Maximum Stay:	14 days
Check-in and Check-out Times	Check-in 12:00 PM Check-out 12:00 PM

Girard Ridge Lookout Amenities
Cabin Exterior:	Picnic table, vault toilet room
Cabin Interior:	Inside: 2 twin beds, storage cabinet, table and chairs, cleaning supplies Other: Vault toilet outside, picnic table
NOT included:	bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), water for drinking and cleaning, pillows, towels, food containers, toilet paper, flashlight, outdoor chairs, garbage bags.
Showers:	No
Attractions near Girard Ridge Lookout:	Nearby are hiking trails, mountain biking, and fishing. Visit Castle Crags State Park. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers

Girard Ridge Lookout, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA

Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors at the Girard Ridge Lookout find many places nearby to explore.

Take your camera with you to beautiful Mossbrae Falls near Dunsmuir.
Fly fish along the Sacramento River.
Visit the Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum in the town of Mt. Shasta.
Take a tour of the Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery in the town of Mt. Shasta.
Spend a day at beautiful Castle Lake or Lake Shastina.
Hike around Castle Crags State Park.
Visit the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden on Highway 97 east of Weed
Enjoy the Juniper Flat OHV Area with its 48 acres of open terrain riding.
Cycle or hike along the Great Shasta Rail Trail in McCloud.

Check-In Procedure

In order to access the lookout, renter must obtain combination for the lock at the McCloud District Office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or call (530) 964-2184 a week prior to arrival.