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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 7 at 11:56AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
AQAMSO WHAT: Air Quality Advisory because of degraded air quality due to wildfire smoke. Air Quality Index is forecast to be Unhealthy. WHERE... Clearwater and Idaho Counties outside of reservation boundaries. WHEN: Extended until 3:00PM 8/10/2026 IMPACTS: Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Air pollutants can cause breathing difficult for children, the elderly, as well as persons with respiratory problems. Those individuals who are sensitive to increased particulate matter or smoke are encouraged to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity during this advisory. Open burning is prohibited by air quality rule. It is also recommended that all other individuals limit prolonged or strenuous activity outdoors. ISSUED BY THE IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, AIR QUALITY GROUP. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT DEQ's Lewiston Regional Office at (208) 799- 4370
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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