Hirz Mountain Lookout

All uphill 1/4 mile hike in a very rocky road/path but all worth it for absolutely amazing 360° views of Mt. Shasta, lake Shasta, Mt. Lassen and everything in between! Comfortable beds and a clean space to relax inside. Windows don't open all the way but enough to cool it down in 100° heat when there is a sufficient wind.

5 stars for the unmatched view and solitude. This is a truly special stay. The only downside was a mouse inside/on the cupboards, so I'd recommend bringing a bear canister for all food.

This lookout has been restored to its functional original condition; though spartan, you can get a real feel for what it would have been like when this was new. You really get a feel for how isolated you are and how hard it was to get to your job. The road to this lookout takes a long time, and the recommendation for 4WD high-clearance vehicles is valid. Hiking from the parking area is strenuous, steep, and with loose gravel and rocks most of the way. It's pretty spartan inside, but the view and isolation are phenomenal. Many pictures online are not current for this lookout; the overhanging panels above the windows are now present.

This was an amazing experience and an incredible place.
The drive up 35N04 is almost exactly 5 miles, and you want a somewhat high clearance 4WD vehicle (Audi Q5 did well). The last hike up to the lookout from the parking area is not to be underestimated. It is about a quarter mile with probably 400ft of vertical, and there is a clear trail / old road up but it is a challenge. There are sections where the trail is small-medium rocks and others where it is soft scrabbly dirt. We brought a camping wagon and full size cooler -these are not feasible to bring up to the cabin. You should plan on carrying everything up and down, but the hike is very doable without excessive load. We did several trips back to the parking area bringing a days food to a small cooler at the lookout.

Absolutely amazing!

Stunning location; well-maintained as well. The road was quite an adventure, definitely would not do without 4WD. Google maps road is incomplete; found this map helpful to follow - https://www.fs.usda.gov/sites/nfs/files/legacy-media/shasta-trinity/Hirz%20Mountain%20Lookout%20ROG.pdf

It was 104 degrees when I got there and you do have a bit of a trek up hill with two switchbacks. But! Once you get there the view and is amazing. I was very comfortable inside the Tower itself. It has a non flush toilet and a picnic table nearby. Be wary of strong winds.

Definitely need AWD, I made it up fine in my Subaru Forester. Two twin beds and a large picnic table located under the lookout. We pack everything in so we don’t have to do the hike to the car and back multiple times. Only issue was that the toilet/outhouse door hinge is broken and it’s not very clean but other than that great experience and amazing view.

What an amazing experience! Highly, highly recommend this fire lookout. Also, here are a few things I learned from my first trip:
1) there are only two twin beds. I read somewhere that there were two additional mattresses if needed, but no - it's the two twins and that's all. BYOB of course (bring your own bedding)
2) others say this but I want to reconfirm that AWD or 4x4 is required to get up the dirt road. There are a few tricky spots but overall not too bad. Also, don't trust google maps. Look for a brown sign with a fire lookout image - that's the correct turnoff.
3) pack a backpack to make that final 1/4 mile hike. I didn't do this and walked up with multiple loose bags - lesson learned. It's steep and slick with stone.
4) bring a PEN to sign the guest book! I was sad I didn't have one in my bag(s) but didn't want to walk back to the car.
5) don't forget a headlamp or light of some sort. No electric, no water, etc.
6) Definitely wake up to watch the sunrise! This is one of my fav trips EVER and I've been to a lot of cool places. This is in my top 3 for sure.

To start...the trip to get there is no joke. You'll want a high clearance vehicle, and while the hike up is short, it is very steep. Carrying the gear up was a workout!

Once we got there, it was worth the hike. The space is nice and clean, and the views are amazing.

We did have a couple of issues: 1) The door to the vault toilet had been torn off it's hinges, so there is no functioning door. Fortunately, it faces away from the tower, and you have a beautiful view of the lake while sitting and doing your business...
2) There is no way to secure the room. There is no lock. Unfortunately, we were burglarized while we were out on an excursion one day. Had a wallet and several small random items stolen. You could secure the place if you had a chain and a padlock with you. I would recommend that, or at least don't leave any valuables unattended