Little Guard Lookout

About

Little Guard Lookout stands as one of the last remaining fire lookouts used in the Coeur d'Alene River area. The structure today is the third in a series of lookout buildings originating back to 1919, and in October 1990 it became the first Idaho lookout accepted for listing in the National Historic Lookout Register. At 6,031 feet elevation on Little Guard Peak, it commands spectacular views overlooking the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River and the Bitterroot Mountains, with views of nearby Downey Peak to the northwest. The fully furnished two-story lookout measures 14 x 14 feet with an external catwalk and gabled roof. It sleeps four guests using one single bed and three fold-up cots, though quarters are tight and at least two cots must be set up downstairs in the kitchen area. The kitchen is equipped with a propane refrigerator, propane cook stove, table, chairs, and basic cooking utensils, with propane provided for the stove and refrigerator. A wood stove on the top floor provides heat, with some firewood provided. An outdoor pit toilet is located within 200 feet. No water or electricity is available; visitors must bring plenty of drinking water. A mountain spring within a half-mile by footpath can be boiled and treated for consumption. The lookout provides access to Shoshone Ridge Trail #81, a scenic day hike with many viewpoints. Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, moose, osprey, and calliope hummingbirds.

Directions

From I-90, take Exit 43 (Kingston) and drive 24 miles north on Forest Highway 9 to Prichard Junction. Continue on Forest Road 208 for about 5 miles to Forest Road 602 (on the right just past Shoshone Base Camp). Drive about 9 miles to the lookout at the end of the road. High-clearance vehicles with good tires are strongly recommended.