Burton Fire Lookout

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.