Surveyors Lookout
Closed for the season. The lookout typically operates from mid-July through the end of September. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards.
Dudley Fire Closure - revised
The purpose of this Order is to ensure public and firefighter safety in response to theDudley Fire incident. This prohibits all methods of travel (i.e. foot, mechanized, motorized,and stock) on NFS lands, roads, and trails within the described area.
About
Surveyors Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in a historic fire lookout tower within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Built in 1931 as part of a network of lookouts used to spot fires in the Upper St. Joe Country, the original pole structure was replaced with the current treated timber tower in 1964. The 30-foot tower is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register and provides phenomenal views of Snow Peak and the surrounding Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area. The lookout accommodates up to four guests and is furnished with a twin bed, two extra mattresses, chest of drawers, a small refrigerator (noted as unreliable), propane cook stove, propane heater with lights, cooking pots and utensils, and a rodent-proof food container. No drinking water is available at the facility; guests must bring their own or collect water from a spring 1.4 miles down the access road (non-potable, requires boiling or treatment). A vault toilet is located on site. The lookout provides access to several trails including Scribner Falls Trail #106, Surveyor's Ridge Trail #40, Horseshoe Loop Trail #141, and Northbound Creek Trail #111. The area offers hunting and trout fishing in designated areas. Avery is the nearest town for supplies and conveniences. Access requires navigating a rugged single-lane road with pullouts that is not recommended for low clearance vehicles and may be slick when wet.
Directions
From the St. Joe River Road (FH50) to Beaver Creek: Drive 29 miles east of Avery to the junction of Red Ives Road 218. Turn south (right) and drive 8 miles to the junction of Beaver Creek Road 303 (just past Beaver Creek Campground). Drive about 7.5 miles to Road 201. Turn south (left) toward Sawtooth Saddle. Drive 13 miles to the access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A). Turn right and follow the access road approximately 0.5 mile to the lookout. Access is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts, not recommended for low clearance vehicles.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 245-4517 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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