Girard Ridge Lookout

Area Status: Open

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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	The last part of the road to the lookout is pretty rough.
Operational Hours:	June/July through October all depending on snow levels.
Reservations:	recreation.gov
Rentals & Guides:	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.
Area Amenities:	Interpretive Site,Toilets
Fees:	$75 per night
Permit Info:	Reservations available through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) @ recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777 and can be made up to 180 days in advance of arrival.
Restrictions:	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.
Closest Towns:	Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta
Water:	None
Restroom:	Vault
Operated By:	US Forest Service
Information Center:	McCloud Ranger Station, P.O. Box 1620, McCloud, CA 96057, 530-964-2184