Idaho / Boundary County / Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Deer Ridge Lookout

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The lookout operates from June 1 through October 6. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Deer Ridge Lookout stands 40 feet tall on a timber frame tower, offering one of the most spectacular overnight rental experiences in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Located at 4,755 feet elevation, 24 miles northeast of Bonners Ferry, the lookout provides commanding views of the rugged Purcell Mountains, the Selkirk Range, and distant peaks in Canada and Montana. The Moyie River Valley and Moyie Springs spread out below, creating a stunning panorama. The 14' x 14' cabin is accessed via a steep staircase through a trap door on the wraparound catwalk, making it unsuitable for small children. Inside, guests will find two twin beds, a table, dresser, and chairs. A vault toilet is located 50 yards from the tower base. The lookout is a pack-in, pack-out facility with no water available, so visitors must bring ample drinking, cooking, and washing water. Cooking must be done outside at ground level. Hiking trails follow Deer Ridge and Ruby Ridge from the lookout, offering excellent wildlife watching opportunities for elk, deer, and black bears. Huckleberry picking is popular from August through September. The Moyie River provides fly fishing for rainbow and brook trout. The lookout is accessible by car via maintained gravel roads, making it one of the more accessible fire lookout rentals in the region. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov, and guests receive the combination lock code 10-14 days before arrival.

Directions

Take Highway 95/2 north from the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station for 5 miles. Turn right onto Highway 2 and head east for 2 miles. Turn left onto Meadow Creek Road and head north and east for 10 miles to the bridge over the Moyie River. Turn right onto Road 2541 (Placer Creek Road) and go east 1.5 miles. Drive north on Road 2540 for 6 miles until the road ends at Deer Ridge Lookout.

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