Hirz Mountain Lookout

Hirz Mountain Lookout is perched on rocky outcrop overlooking the McCloud River Arm of Shasta Lake. With panoramic views in all directions, visitors enjoy the grandeur of Mountain Shasta to the north and Mount Lassen to the southeast. Winding below is the McCloud River Arm of Shasta Lake. Originally erected as a ground-level Forest Service cabin in 1937, it was raised onto a steel tower in 1949. Restorations were made in 2017 by volunteers from HistoriCorps coordinated with employees from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

Hirz Mountain, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA

Volunteers from HistoriCorps Restore Hirz Mountain Lookout (2017)

Cabin Features

Hirz Mountain Lookout is now available for rent. The lookout cabin has 2 twin beds providing sleeping space for 4 guests. Outside are a picnic table and vault toilet. However, the lookout has no cooking facilities, water, or electricity. Visitors will need to provide enough water for cooking, drinking, and cleaning (cleaning supplies provided). "A California campfire permit is required for the use of a portable gas stove, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel for cooking." (US Forest Service)

Those renting the lookout will also need garbage sacks to pack out their trash, cooking pots and utensils, matches, a cooler with ice, flashlights or battery powered lanterns.

Nearby Activities

Guests at the lookout enjoy sightseeing, stargazing, and photography. Don't forget your camera and binoculars. Hiking and mountain biking are available nearby. Below at Shasta Lake are opportunities for boating, water skiing, and fishing. Boat rentals are available.

Read full details about the cabin and check for any updates at Recreation.gov - Hirz Mountain Lookout
and
Shasta-Trinity NF - Hirz Mountain Lookout.

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Hirz Mountain Lookout Basics
Hirz Mountain Lookout Location:	Off Gilman Road at Shasta Lake, take road 35N04 and travel 5 miles to a locked gate and parking area. The last ¼ mile is done on foot up a rock and slippery trail.
Access Road Cautions:	High clearance passenger vehicles are recommended on the 5 miles of road 35N04.
Elevation:	3,540 feet
Miles/Driving time from Gateway Cities:	Redding - 35 miles, 51 minutes Medford, OR - 141 miles, 2:43 Sacramento - 193 miles, 3:13
Hirz Mountain Lookout Season:	May through mid-October, depending on weather
Max. Occupancy:	4
Maximum Number Vehicles:	4
Pets:	Small pets allowed
Operated by	Shasta-Trinity National Forest
McCloud Ranger District:	(530) 964-2184

Hirz Mountain Lookout Reservations
Reservation Window	Hirz Mountain Lookout may be reserved up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Fees:	$110 per night
Reservations:	Hirz Mountain Lookout
Maximum Stay:	14 days
Check-in and Check-out Times	Check-in 2:00 PM Check-out 11:00 AM

Hirz Mountain Lookout Amenities
Cabin Exterior:	Picnic table, vault toilet room. This facility has a compostable toilet that requires daily maintenance by guests, please follow all guidelines posted.
Cabin Interior:	Inside: 2 twin beds, storage cabinets, cleaning supplies
NOT included:	Bedding (sleeping bags or linens and blankets), water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, pillows, towels, food containers, toilet paper, flashlight, outdoor chairs, garbage bags. Portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel is permitted with a valid California campfire permit.
Showers:	No
Attractions near Hirz Mountain Lookout:	Nearby are hiking trails and mountain biking, and fishing. Visit Shasta Lake with boating, water skiing, and fishing. Shop Amazon: Trout Fishing Best Sellers
Updates	Last Updated May 2025

Hirz Mountain Lookout, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, CA

Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Visitors at the Hirz Mountain Lookout find many places nearby to explore.

Take in the magnificent, 360-degree view from the lookout. Bring your camera and binoculars.
Fly fish along the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake.
Visit the Mt. Shasta Sisson Museum in the town of Mt. Shasta.
Take a tour of the Mount Shasta Fish Hatchery in the town of Mt. Shasta.
Spend a day at beautiful Castle Lake or Lake Shastina.
Hike around Castle Crags State Park.
Visit the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden on Highway 97 east of Weed
Enjoy the Juniper Flat OHV Area with its 48 acres of open terrain riding.
Cycle or hike along the Great Shasta Rail Trail in McCloud.

Check-In Procedure

In order to access the lookout, renter must obtain combination for the lock at the McCloud District Office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or call (530) 964-2184 a week prior to arrival.