California / Shasta County / Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation Area - Shasta Unit / Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Hirz Mountain Lookout

Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 1 and operates through October 15. Reservations available via Recreation.gov up to six months in advance.

About

Hirz Mountain Lookout stands as one of the last fire lookout structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in California. The original ground-level cabin was constructed in 1937 with a garage and outhouse, strategically positioned to provide direct views into the McCloud River headwaters and tributaries. In 1949, the structure was elevated on a 20-foot steel K-brace tower to enhance visibility. The McCloud River Wintu tribe held this mountain sacred, and it later bore the name of Henry Hirz, a gold miner who worked Hirz Creek in the 1860s. Today's visitors are rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views encompassing the snow-capped peak of Mt. Shasta to the north, Mt. Lassen to the southeast, and the gray limestone exposures of the mountain itself. The narrow blue-green ribbon of the McCloud River Arm of Shasta Lake winds past the eastern flank, visible for miles in both directions. Access to the lookout demands preparation and appropriate vehicles. Road 35N04 is a single-lane dirt road with limited sight distance, steep grades, and rocky terrain best suited for high-clearance 4WD vehicles. The final quarter-mile must be hiked, requiring sturdy footwear with good tread and ankle support. This is a true backcountry experience with no services, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Rattlesnakes and bears frequent the area.

Directions

From Redding, take Interstate 5 north approximately 20 miles to Gilman Road, exit 698. Turn right and follow Gilman Road approximately 5 miles to Road 35N04. Turn left onto Road 35N04. Drive 5 miles at low speed on this single-lane dirt road. High-clearance 4WD vehicles strongly recommended. The final quarter-mile to the lookout is for foot traffic only due to rocky, slippery, steep terrain.

Nearby Campgrounds