Arid Peak Lookout
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Availability is weather-dependent; typically accessible when snow has melted and access roads are passable.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 1:28PM PST until February 9 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 5 inches above 3000 feet and a trace to 1 inch below 3000 feet. * WHERE...Lookout Pass, Mullan, Osburn, Fernwood, Kellogg, St. Maries, Dobson Pass, Fourth Of July Pass, Wallace, and Pinehurst. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 10 AM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.
About
Built in 1934 to detect fires sparked by the Milwaukee Railroad Line, Arid Peak Lookout was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years. Through the efforts of over 30 volunteers, the Forest Fire Lookout Association, and the U.S. Forest Service, it was restored to its original condition in 1997 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts. The lookout sits atop a 20-foot tower at 5,306 feet elevation, providing epic 360-degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains and overlooking the scenic Loop Creek area. The cabin accommodates up to four guests and includes two cots with mattresses, basic cooking gear, dishes, a propane camp stove, propane lantern, water containers, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove for heat. An outhouse is located outside the tower. No water is available on-site, so guests must bring their own or treat and boil water from nearby springs. The lookout offers access to three excellent trails: Arid Peak Trail #173, Mozier Peak Trail #174, and Kyle Creek Trail #175, all suitable for day hiking, backpacking, or horseback riding. The famous Hiawatha Bicycle Trail, considered the crown jewel of rail-to-trail mountain biking routes, can be accessed just over 10 miles from the lookout.
Directions
From Avery, turn left and head north up the North Fork of the St. Joe River Road #456 toward Wallace. Travel about 4.5 miles, then turn left down the hill just before the bridge across the river onto Road #1997, a single lane gravel road with pull outs. Drive about 3.5 miles and turn left on the first road (also labeled Road No. 1997). Travel 6.5 miles to Trailhead #175. Park in the wide spot by the trailhead. Hike up Trail #175 for 1.5 miles to the junction with Trail #173, turn right and hike 1.5 miles on Trail #173 to Arid Peak.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 245-2531 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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