Girard Ridge Lookout
The Girard Ridge Lookout was constructed in 1931 and used by the Forest Service on a regular basis until 1981. Located above the Sacramento River Canyon at a height of 4,809 feet, the views are simply eye popping. To the north spectacular views of Mount Shasta are seen, to the west the gray spires of the Castle Crags frame almost the entire view, and to the southeast there is a distant silhouette of Lassen Peak, though the abundant trees may block the view of Lassen.
Reservations
Reservations available through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 and can be made up to 180 days in advance of arrival.
General Information
June/July through October all depending on snow levels. 15 days stay limit.
24/7
Fire Restrictions: Special fire restrictions limit the use of campfires, charcoal fires, smoking, and operation of most internal combustion engines. The use of portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed with a valid California campfire permit. Renter can obtain a free California campfire permit at any Forest Service, CalFire or Bureau of Land Management office. Smoking is prohibited within the lookout, smoke only in vehicles, or an area cleared of all flammable material. Fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest lands.
Overnight Use:
$75 per night
Pets are allowed in the recreation areas unless posted. They
must be on a leash, no longer than six feet, when in developed sites and where other public may be present.
The Girard Ridge Lookout is located near Dunsmuir (north of Redding) on a ridge directly to the east of Interstate 5.
In 1997/98, the lookout was restored to its original character by the Forest Service and volunteers from the Castle Crags Interpretive Association, Dunsmuir Chamber of Commerce, Dunsmuir Schools and donations from local building contractors and business. It is now being offered as an overnight retreat for personal recreational use.
Address: 2019 Forest Road McCloud, CA 96057
Phone: 530-964-2184
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 41.1284922
Longitude: -122.2781738
Elevation
4800'
Directions
You can reach Girard Ridge Lookout by traveling south
from Mt. Shasta on Interstate 5 to the Soda Creek exit, or
north from Redding to the same exit. Head east off the
freeway and cross the railroad tracks and the Sacramento
River. Turn right on Riverside (a narrow, paved road) to
road 38N23 (sign says Girard Ridge). Turn up hill and
follow this road which is steep in spots and eventually
turns to dirt for 3.8 miles until you reach an intersection.
Take the left turn up the hill (the road is still 38N23) and
you will pass microwave towers. Continue past until the
intersection with road 39N13. Turn left onto 39N13 and
travel approximately 6/10th of a mile to an unmarked road.
Turn left and travel approximately 4/10th of a mile to the
locked gate at the end of the road and the lookout.
Depending on your mode of travel, the trip from the Soda
Creek exit can take at least one hour.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
