GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT
GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT
GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT
GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT
GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

About Girard Ridge Lookout

Girard Ridge Lookout was constructed in 1931 and used by the Forest Service on a regular basis until 1981. It is one of the few remaining historic lookouts on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The structure at Girard Ridge is reportedly the oldest lookout of its particular design remaining in California. It was restored to its original character in 1997. The lookout offers primitive accommodations, but visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the mountains during the day and bright, starry skies at night. Staying at Girard Ridge Lookout is an unforgettable experience.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Jun 1 to Oct 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

🏠 Cabin
  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (22)

What Guests Are Saying

Visitors to Girard Ridge Lookout praised its breathtaking views of Mount Shasta and Castle Crags, as well as the peaceful and immersive natural experience it offers. While the lookout has a cozy, rustic charm, some found it needed more maintenance, with issues such as old beds and cleanliness concerns, particularly regarding trash left by previous guests and rodent presence. Many appreciated the scenic drive and hiking opportunities, expressing a desire to return and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the location.

Review Summary

4.6
22 reviews
5
68.2%
15
4
27.3%
6
3
4.5%
1
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Catherine K

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

amazing views and sunsets.

Bonnie T

Verified

January 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

I saw an opening for one night and grabbed it. Beautiful view of Mt Shasta and Castle Crags.

Robert A

Verified

July 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Second time staying here - just an incredible view. Make sure to plan to watch the sunset and sunrise. You won’t be disappointed. Clean and very quiet place.

Taimur L

Verified

July 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

The most beautiful campsite to ever exist! Probably the best views too. Bring some cleaning supplies as the place may need a bit of tidying up when you get there.

Manon N

Verified

August 12, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

We stayed at Girard Ridge Lookout for 3 nights and this was the most amazing camping experience we've ever had ! The views are breathtaking, and the lookout is so remote that you feel like you have the world to yourself up there. I actually booked the lookout before the pandemic, and I am so glad I did as I can't think of a better social distancing vacation than this. Our only regret is not taking the dog... The weather forecast said 100F in Dunsmuir and Mount Shasta which would have been too much for her, but it was cooler at the lookout and there was a breeze, plus constant shade moving around the tower, so she would definitely have enjoyed it too. There are some cleaning supplied up there for you to clean up upon checkin and checkout. There are mattresses, but don't forget your bed sheets and pillows ! Also be sure to bring plenty of water as there is none up there. Don't forget the mosquito repellent / candles for the evenings. High clearance vehicle highly recommended to drive up the 30 minute dirt road to the lookout. A lower car could do it, but there are a few sections with potholes. Last but not least, please make sure you clean up your garbage when you leave ! We picked a few beer bottle caps and cigarette butts around the lookout, as well as a few empty gallons of water. Be respectful of others and leave the place just like you'd like to find it: garbage free.

Aniruddha J

Verified

August 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Excellent views of Mt. Shasta during the day and a sky full of stars at night. One of the best views of Shasta. The property is well maintained and the toilets were clean. Please bring adequate cleaning supplies.
The unpaved road is for 6 mi. High ground clearance vehicle is recommended but a sedan will also work just fine.
Do not miss taking a dip in Sacramento River after exiting I5N. On a hot sunny day, when temperatures can go north of 100, its a life saver.

Alicia R

Verified

July 5, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Beautiful views, very hot and lots of bees. Be prepared with lots of water and any battery operated fans. Overall a great experience though.

robert s

Verified

July 22, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Very cool look out. It was really nice how secluded it was. The only negative I would say is that it would be nice if someone would take care of those hornets nest‘s that are all along the deck underneath. Other than that is was a great stay

Mark S

Verified

August 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Loved being here again! Sweet Girard Ridge Lookout, love you so much. Unfortunately we lost the view of Shasta and Castle Crags entirely as they were shrouded in smokey haze. We also had an encounter with a mouse in the cabin. So cute but.....yikes. The mouse disappeared into a hole in the floor below the door hinge. Found the remains of the Girard Hill lookout and telephone line poles on butte to ESE of the lookout. This predated the Girard Ridge Lookout and is amazing that there is any remains of it here. Left the lookout a day early due to smokey conditions. Sorry for all of Northern Cal and Southern Oregon, so smokey. Stay safe and enjoy this gem!

J.R. S

Verified

September 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Amazing experience even though the smoke from some of the wildfires moved in for a couple days, still I would highly recommend staying here.

Location & Directions for Girard Ridge Lookout

Po Box 1620, Mccloud, CA 96057 United States

Elevation: 1,435 ft

Getting There

<p>From Redding California, or Mt. Shasta, take Interstate 5 towards Castle Crags State Park. Exit the Interstate at the Soda Creek exit 726. From here, the lookout is approximately 7.5 mi over mostly dirt road. Head east towards the Sacramento Ri...

Nearest town

Mccloud, CA - 27 mi

About 52 min to downtown

Highway access

Girard Ridge Lookout is accessible from Interstate 5, with the Soda Creek exit providing the nearest access point. The lookout is approximately 7.5 miles from the interstate via local roads.

Policies & Rules

General

  • Maximum capacity is four people.
  • Renter must obtain gate combination by calling (530) 964-2184 1-week prior to arrival.
  • Smoking is prohibited inside the lookout, but is allowed in vehicles or areas cleared of flammable material.
  • The dirt roads leading to Girard Ridge Lookout are at times steep and narrow; high clearance vehicles are recommended. The access roads to the lookout run primarily through private timberlands and log truck traffic should be expected.
  • Click here for more information about the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
  • Active logging will be taking place through September 30, 2023 near the Girard lookout and may cause temperary road closure and access to the lookout. Expect delays and be mindfull of logging activity in the area.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 20, 2026

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Explore Mccloud, CA

Population: 829

Nearby city: Redding, CA

Approx. 38 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 3,271 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service