Hirz Mountain Lookout is located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, featuring rugged terrain with dense forests and mountainous landscapes. The area experiences temperature highs around 90°F in summer and lows near 30°F in winter. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Shasta Lake and Castle Crags State Park.

## Overview

 The McCloud River Wintu tribe held Hirz Mountain in reverence and had a name for it in their own language. But it was a white miner, Henry Hirz, who gave the mountain its modern name. Hirz was a gold miner who lived on Hirz Creek in the 1860s and was one of the earliest white men in the McCloud River country. When the lookout was built, it was originally a structure that sat on the ground. The mountain was a strategic location for detecting fires because it had a direct view into the headwaters of the McCloud River and most of its tributaries. In 1937, the Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) rebuilt the Hirz Mountain Lookout cabin and included a garage and outhouse. It was one of the last CCC-era lookouts to be built. In 1949, a steel tower was added, constructed of a steel K-brace tower that stands 20 feet above ground level. Coming here is not for the faint of heart. The access road is rocky and steep with limited visibility - high clearance vehicles are recommended - and the last quarter-mile must be traversed on foot. Those who make the journey are rewarded with unforgettable views of the landscape by day and the stars at night.
## Recreation

 The main recreational activities at Hirz Mountain Lookout are sightseeing and stargazing, and this is an ideal setting for those with a passion for photography. Visitors may want to bring binoculars to go birding and wildlife watching. There are also opportunities to hike, mountain bike and hunt in the area.
## Natural Features

 This lookout tower sits atop Hirz Mountain at an elevation of 3,540 feet, offering 360-degree views of Mt. Shasta's snow-laced peak to the north, Mt. Lassen to the southeast and the gray limestone exposures of Hirz Mountain itself. The narrow blue-green ribbon of the McCloud River Arm winds past the east side of Hirz Mountain, extending north and south as far as the eye can see. Visitors to Hirz Mountain Lookout are advised to use caution, as rattlesnakes and bears frequent the area ([click here for information on bear safety][1]). 

[1]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_008073.pdf

Hirz Mountain Lookout

Lakehead is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Lakehead, reviewed by campers like you.

Lakehead

The Best Camping Near Lakehead, California

The view will blow your mind. This place is special. Saw a gnarly rattle snake that hissed at me but didn't strike and a swarm of bees flew through. This place gets the prize for best view while sitting on the outhouse toilet. You can see for miles Mt Shasta and Shasta Lake is the distance. 

Photos of Hirz Mountain Lookout

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