Overview
Girard Ridge Lookout was constructed in 1931 and used by the Forest Service on a regular basis until 1981. It is one of the few remaining historic lookouts on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The structure at Girard Ridge is reportedly the oldest lookout of its particular design remaining in California. It was restored to its original character in 1997. The lookout offers primitive accommodations, but visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the mountains during the day and bright, starry skies at night. Staying at Girard Ridge Lookout is an unforgettable experience.
Recreation
While the main recreation at Girard Ridge Lookout is enjoying the scenery, there are opportunities to hike, hunt, and fish. Hikers can walk north on the Forest Service road for 3 miles from the lookout to where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail.
Facilities
Girard Ridge Lookout stands 13 feet off the ground and is accessed via a flight of stairs. It has a standard 14x14 foot cabin with a gable roof and exterior catwalk. There is a separate building with a vault toilet that is accessed by going down the stairs and walking about 30 feet. The cabin offers two twin beds with mattresses. Cabinets are available for storage and there is a table for eating. Visitors have access to cleaning supplies, including a mop, broom, and cleansers. The lookout has no cooking facilities, no water and no electricity. Visitors are required to bring water. A heat source is needed in cooler temperatures. There are no dishes, utensils, cookware, linens or bedding at the lookout. Visitors must bring garbage bags to pack out trash. The use of portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel is allowed with a valid California campfire permit, but no wood or charcoal fires are permitted ( Click here for more information about Girard Ridge Lookout).
Natural Features
The lookout is located above the Sacramento River Canyon at a height of 4,809 feet. Spectacular views of Mount Shasta are seen to the north, the gray spires of the Castle Crags frame almost the entire view to the west and the distant silhouette of Lassen Peak can be seen to the southeast. Girard Ridge Lookout is surrounded by northern California mixed conifer forest. Bears and other animals live in the surrounding forest (click here for information on bear safety).
Nearby Attractions
Castle Crags State Park is nearby, offering hiking trails, including access to the Castle Crags Wilderness in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and the chance to fish and swim in the Sacramento River.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area