Hirz Mountain Lookout

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.

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.

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.

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.