Girard Ridge Lookout

Such an amazing place. It was so surreal being up in the clouds. Amazing views!! Can’t wait to go back next year.
Other than waking up early to random people in our camp yelling at us that you can’t own the forest and they don’t have to leave even though they walked through a locked gate. (Maybe putting up a sign that says reservations only?) it was absolutely perfect!

Amazing view. We loved our visit and wish that we could have stayed longer.

It would be great to provide a trash drop-off somewhere along the way out so that visitors don't have to lug their garbage all the way back home. You could put a combination lock on it as well.

DJ

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

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!

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

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

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 miles. 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.

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.

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.

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.