Bald Mountain Lookout

About

Bald Mountain Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in a historic fire lookout tower originally constructed in 1956 and operated until 1984. Rising 50 feet from the ground at 5,334 feet elevation, the lookout sits atop one of the highest peaks in the Hoodoo Mountain Range. The surrounding forest features a diverse mix of larch, red cedar, hemlock, western white pine, Douglas fir, and Engelmann spruce. Guests enjoy sweeping panoramas of the golden, rolling Palouse hills to the south and views toward St. Maries to the north. The cabin accommodates up to four guests and includes a propane heater, cooking stove, cookware, dishes, utensils, a futon that converts to a twin bed with foam pad, two cots, and a table with four chairs. A pit toilet is located at ground level below the tower. Guests must bring their own drinking water, bedding, and trash bags as there is no potable water, electricity, or garbage service. All trash must be packed out. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle via Forest Road 377 (Palouse Divide Road), a single-lane dirt road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. The final mile on FR 377A is rough with many water bars. Trailers are not recommended. Nearby recreation includes Strychnine Ridge Trail 319 just southwest of the lookout, connecting to Beason Meadows Trail 228 which leads to Giant White Pine Campground.

Directions

From Potlatch, travel north on Highway 6 (White Pine Scenic Byway) for 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 377 (Palouse Divide Road), a single-lane dirt road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. Follow FR 377 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with FR 377A. Turn onto FR 377A and climb 1 mile to Bald Mountain Lookout. The final mile is rough with many water bars; travel is slow. High-clearance vehicles required; trailers not recommended.