Austin Ridge Lookout
Reservation availability is currently unclear. Austin Ridge Lookout does not appear in active Recreation.gov listings for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Contact the forest office at 208-935-2513 for current status and availability.
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.
Northern and Intermountain Regions Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
This order implements visitor use requirements for activities within the Restricted Area and on the Restricted Trails, as required by the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area Management Plan (November 2003).
About
Austin Ridge Lookout is a historic fire lookout tower situated in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in Idaho County. Listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, this tower structure once served as a vital fire detection post for the Forest Service. The lookout sits at an elevated position providing sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. The facility offers basic, primitive accommodations. A vault toilet is available on-site, but there is no potable drinking water. Visitors must pack in all water and supplies needed for their stay. The remote location and minimal amenities make this suited for self-sufficient campers seeking a unique backcountry experience. Access to Austin Ridge Lookout requires navigating forest roads, which may be rough or impassable depending on weather and seasonal conditions. The tower is part of Idaho's network of historic fire lookouts, many of which have been preserved as recreational rentals.
Directions
From Kooskia, Idaho, travel east on Highway 12 to Lowell. Cross the Selway Bridge, drive 3.5 miles, and cross the Swiftwater Bridge on your right. Follow the signs for 13 miles to the lookout. Alternatively, from Highway 12, cross the middle fork of the Clearwater River at the bridge above Kooskia (MP 74), turn left onto County Road 1842 towards the Kooskia National Fish Hatchery, pass the hatchery, and continue as per the detailed route.
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 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (208) 935-2513 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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