About Girard Ridge Lookout
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Restrooms
Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene
- Restrooms
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
- Fire Pit
Views and Setting
- View
001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT
- 4 guests
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.
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
Bonnie T
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT
I saw an opening for one night and grabbed it. Beautiful view of Mt Shasta and Castle Crags.
Catherine K
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT
amazing views and sunsets.
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...
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 River. Cross the bridge over the river and veer right until you come to a road intersection. Turn right on Riverside and follow a curvy and narrow paved road to the intersection of the Girard Ridge Road (Forest Service Road Number 38N23). Turn left, heading up hill. The road will change from pavement to dirt at the 1.9 mi mark from I-5. You will pass some microwave towers. At the top of the hill at approx 6.5 mi from the interstate look for a road intersection, this is Forest Service Road Number 39N13. It will be your first left. Turn here and travel approximately .6 mi to an unnumbered road again on your left. A sign says Girard Ridge Lookout with an arrow. Turn here and you will come to a green Forest Service gate. Open the gate and travel on this road until you reach the lookout (about 1/2 mi).
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.
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
Last updated: October 20, 2026
Need help?
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Explore Mccloud, CA
Population: 829
Nearby city: Redding, CA
Approx. 38 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 3,271 ft
From our Travel Guides
