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Summary

Arid Peak Lookout is located in the beautiful St. Joe River area of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts. It is accessible via a moderately-steep 3 mile hike and offers incredible 360 degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains. It is also a great spot for day-hiking, backpacking and mountain biking along the Hiawatha Bicycle Trail. Wildlife sightings are common, so visitors are advised to practice bear safety.

Overview

Arid Peak Lookout was built in 1934 to help detect fires that may have been sparked by the Milwaukee Railroad Line. It was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years before being renovated by a team of over 30 volunteers, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Forest Service. Arid Peak Lookout was restored to its original splendor in 1997 and is available for rent to the public.

The lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts and provides epic 360 degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Access to the cabin requires a moderately-steep 3 mile hike and availability is dependent on weather conditions.

Recreation

The Hiawatha Bicycle Trail is considered the "crown jewel" of rail-to-trail mountain biking trails as it zips across seven trestles and through 10 tunnels in the magnificent Bitterroot Mountains. The trail can be accessed just over 10 miles from the lookout.

The lookout offers access to the Arid Peak Trail #173, Mozier Peak Trail #174, and Kyle Creek Trail #175. All three trails are great for day-hiking, but can also be explored over longer backpacking treks or on horseback.

Facilities

The cabin fits up to four guests. Furnishings include two cots with mattresses, basic cooking gear, dishes, a propane lantern, propane camp stove, water containers, a table with two chairs and a wood stove. An
outhouse is located outside the tower.



No water is available so guests must bring their own or boil and treat stream water. Propane canisters are not included; a stock of 16.4 ounce canisters are required to use cooking and lighting equipment. Other items to pack include bedding, food, binoculars, a first aid kit, flashlights, towels, toilet paper, and dish soap.

Natural Features

The Arid Peak Lookout is located within the St. Joe River area of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, an area that includes most of what was originally established as the St. Joe National Forest.

The area is known for its blue-ribbon cutthroat trout streams, Wild and Scenic Rivers and extensive roadless and primitive areas. The St. Joe Rover area is also nationally recognized for its elk herds.

The 20 foot tower sits at an elevation of 5,306 feet and overlooks the beautiful Loop Creek area and the scenic Hiawatha Bicycle Trail. The mixed conifer forest around the facility includes Douglas fir and spruce. Wildlife sightings of elk, deer, black bears, moose and bald eagles are common.

This is bear country; Visitors are advised to be aware of and practice bear safety.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (208) 245-2531.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Avery has the nearest conveniences.
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Photos

Campground Matrix

Set alerts at more campgrounds to increase your odds of getting a place to stay! Below is a list of the closest campgrounds supported on Campflare. Or, view all campgrounds in Idaho Panhandle National Forests.

Nearby Campgrounds Distance Notification Rate
Shoshone Park Kitchen
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
7.7mi
Huckleberry
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16.4mi 38%
Savenac Bunkhouse
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17.4mi
Savenac Cookhouse
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17.4mi
Up Up Lookout
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19.8mi 53%
Avery Creek Cabin
Idaho Panhandle National Forests
24.0mi 43%
Made with ❤️ in Mammoth Lakes
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