Girard Ridge Lookout

We visited Girard Ridge Lookout at the end of September and it was so cold. The day we arrived was mostly overcast and we were able to see the most beautiful view of Castle Crags…but it didn’t last long before the clouds moved in and it started raining. Unfortunately we didn’t bring a heater, although luckily we brought warm clothes and sleeping bags. By the end of day 2 we decided to leave early due to the cold temps. I wish there had been a way to heat the place because we were having a nice time. We hope to be back sometime to check out all the views. This is the 2nd lookout we’ve stayed in and we love this unique way to enjoy nature…the quiet and the beauty!

Views were amazing. Road was ok. Beds were terrible.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Lookout. The drive up isn't nearly as bad as some might suggest, just a few sharp turns to navigate, and then you're rewarded with spectacular views.

The vistas of Mount Shasta and Castle Crags were absolutely breathtaking, providing a stunning backdrop to our days. We spent a lot of time hiking along the old logging roads, which offered even more incredible viewpoints and a chance to truly immerse ourselves in the natural beauty.

As night fell, the stars put on an unforgettable show – they were truly amazing and offered a rare glimpse into the clarity of the night sky away from city lights.

Regarding the "resident mouse," we never actually saw it! We followed the helpful tip of using a foil ball to clog the small hole by the door jam, and it seemed to do the trick perfectly, keeping any critters out. Just a small heads-up: one board on the stairs is missing, so definitely watch your step there.

Overall, the peace and quiet was incredibly relaxing and exactly what we needed. We can't wait to visit again.

Really lovely. The upside is that there were no unexpected human visitors. The downside is that there were no unexpected animal visitors. There was Ceiling Mouse, but Ceiling Mouse was expected. It was a very neat place to see Shasta and the Crags. Thanks, USFS!

Next. Level experience. Very private and the feeling of being connected with nature was incredible.

Such a cozy old lookout cabin! The drive is long, and 4WD high clearance is required, as stated. This lookout feels old and tired, but in an authentic way. Beautiful evergreens surround it, and there's a nice fire ring next to it. This has clearly never been "restored", but it has been maintained just enough to say that it has survived. Just treat it kindly and step carefully on the deck. One of the beds is much more comfortable than the other, there's a good stock of cleaning supplies and games and books. Compared to Hirz Mountain lookout, which feels industrial and serious, this one feels like a family cabin in the woods. Both are great, but this one is much easier to get to.

Beautiful lookout overall however, people seem to forget that if you pack it in, you need to pack it out!!!!!!!! Spent the majority of my arrival cleaning up trash around the lookout- used paper plates, candy wrappers, skewers, bottles, cans, litter, etc thrown everywhere. Disgusting. Inside the pit toilet was actually pristine compared to the surroundings. Inside the lookout… well, I was greeted by more trash and a nest filled with four baby mice inside the tall wooden cabinet. A previous review advised of a nest but no observation of mice. A fuller sized mouse arrived a bit later on the catwalk as I was cleaning the inside of the lookout. You really can’t blame the family of mice for shacking up in the lookout since they had a vast array of trash to feast from. Unfortunately, I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my day and evening picking up crap that other people didn’t want to properly dispose and I wasn’t going to attempt to relocate the mouse family. As my frustration grew, I grabbed some photos of Shasta and Crags, hopped in my 4x4 and drove off into the sunset.

Really nice lookout, amazing views. Very bare bones lookout, two metal-framed twin beds with very old vinyl spring mattresses, one table, three chairs (one in disrepair) a sideboard and a cupboard. Despite information on the USFS website this lookout does NOT have a wood burning stove but DOES have an outdoor fire pit. At the time of our reservation (early June) they were in low fire danger so fires were allowed outside in the pit but we never ended up having one due to evening winds. The road up wasn't as bad as some have expressed (made it up just fine in a RAV4) but there may have been recent roadwork due to all the logging that has happened on the way up. Cleaning products are available in the cabinet (windex, pine-sol, disinfectants) and while we saw no evidence of active rodents the drawers of the cabinet had a nest and lots of mouse feces in the drawers/cupboards. Decent pit toilet, though the toilet is not secured to the floor so be careful! Low on TP, bring your own! We did a day hike at Castle Crags, would recommend.

Seriously so magical! The drive up is a bit a bit sketchy. I had an AWD car but would’ve felt more comfortable in something a bit more capable. It’s 6 miles up but a 45 minute drive. Once your up though it’s so worth the breathtaking views and incredible stars. Would definitely come back!

My 4th visit to this lookout... truly a magical place