GIRARD RIDGE LOOKOUT (CA)

DescriptionB: This historic Forest Service lookout is located in the mountains east of the Sacramento River and Interstate 5, between the City of Mt. Shasta and Redding. The lookout is located on the Mt. Shasta Ranger District of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Girard Ridge Lookout was built in 1931 and stands 13 feet off the ground. It has a standard 14 foot by 14 foot cab with a gable roof design. The magnificent views include Castle Crags to the northwest and Mt. Shasta to the northeast. (see 1.6-F Directions)

Access Conditions: The dirt roads leading to Girard Ridge Lookout are at times steep and narrow. High clearance vehicles are recommended. The lookout is reached by exiting Interstate 5 at the Soda Creek exit and driving approximately 6 miles on mountain dirt roads to the lookout. Approximately 1/4 before the lookout is a locked gate. This lookout rental has a combination lock. Renter must obtain combination by calling (530) 964-2184, one week prior to arrival.

Facilities: The lookout has no cooking facilities and no water or electricity. There is a separate vault toilet building. There are two twin beds with mattresses in the lookout cabin. No linens or bedding is provided. There are cabinets for storage and a table for eating. You will need to supply your own water, dishes, utensils, cookware and heat. Please bring garbage bags, facility is Pack it in, Pack it out. Rental Capacity & Duration: The maximum capacity is four people. Check in time is 12:00 PM , checkout is 12:00 PM. Rental is for 1day minimum and a 3 day maximum stay per year.

Fire Restrictions: No wood or charcoal fires allowed. Renter must obtain a free California Campfire permit for use of a portable gas stove. Smoking is prohibited within the lookout, smoking allowed in a vehicle, or an area cleared of all flammable material. Fireworks are prohibited.

Pets: Pets are allowed. Pet owners must clean up after their pet.

Cautionary items: The lookout is on a 40 acre parcel surrounded by private land, owned by Roseburg. It is surrounded by vegetation growth, so there is high fire danger in the summer months. Bears and other animals live in the surrounding forest. Rental lookout does not have running water, showers or cooking facilities. Lookout rental does not honor Golden Passports Discounts.

From Redding or Mt. Shasta, take Interstate 5 towards Castle Crags State Park. Exit the Interstate at the Soda Creek Exit. From here the lookout is approximately 6 miles over mostly dirt road. Head east towards the Sacramento River. Cross over the Sacramento River and veer right until you come to a road intersection. Turn right on Riverside and follow a curvy and narrow paved road to the intersection of the Girard Ridge Road (Forest Service Road Number 38N23). Turn left up hill and follow the signs along this road through several switchbacks. You will pass some microwave towers. At the top of the hill, look for a road intersection Forest Service Road Number 39N13. Turn left and travel approximately 6/10's mile to an unmarked road on your left. A sign says Girard Ridge Lookout with an arrow. Turn left and you will come to a green Forest Service gate. Open the gate and travel on this road until you reach the lookout.