Burton Fire Lookout
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.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 11:44AM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the 90s Tuesday and mid 90s to near 100 Wednesday and Thursday. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day with widespread moderate and major HeatRisk. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Wednesday and Thursday mornings with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
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 |
Useful Links
| USFS Burton Ridge Trail #9 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!