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This is an abandoned fire lookout that is not available for rental or overnight camping. The historic 1933 cabin still stands but is in deteriorating condition and not usable for overnight stays. The site is accessible as a day-hike destination via Burton Ridge Trail #9, typically open mid-June through November.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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.

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Silver Fire Closure - Roman Nose, Bottleneck, Snow Creek

The purpose of this order is for public and firefighter safety due to active fire suppression activities occurring in the area as part of planned operations for the Silver Fire burning in the area.

About

Burton Peak Lookout is a historic fire lookout built in 1933 as a log frame 14x14 cabin. The lookout was staffed until 1967, with Malcolm Smith serving as one of its lookouts in 1945. Today, the structure stands abandoned at 6,844 feet elevation in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests near Bonners Ferry. The lookout is accessible via Burton Ridge Trail #9, a 2.6-mile trail with approximately 1,700 feet of elevation gain. The lower section passes through timber before opening onto a rocky ridgetop around 1.7 miles. The summit provides panoramic vistas of the Kootenai River Valley and the Cabinet and Purcell mountain ranges. The peak borders the Myrtle Creek Game Preserve. The cabin interior retains some original features including fold-up cots and built-in desks, though the walls are covered with visitor graffiti and the outhouse has collapsed. The structure is deteriorating and is not available for rental or overnight camping. There are no amenities at the site; visitors must bring their own water.

Directions

From Bonners Ferry, head south on US 95. Turn onto Myrtle Creek Road (Forest Road #633), then follow Forest Road #2411 to the road's end at the Burton Ridge Trail #9 trailhead.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets No
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

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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