Lunch Peak Lookout

About

Lunch Peak Lookout sits at 6,414 feet in the Cabinet Mountains, 35 miles northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho. The historic fire lookout was remodeled in 2002 and sits atop a high cinder block foundation, providing unobstructed 360-degree views of Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains, and Lake Pend Oreille below. The 15x15 cabin includes a sleeping platform, table, and storage cabinet. This is a true backcountry experience. There is no potable water, heat, electricity, or cooking facilities. Guests must bring all water, food, sleeping gear, and lighting. A vault toilet is located 300 feet away at the Pend Oreille Divide Trailhead. All trash must be packed out, and food must be stored properly due to active bear habitat. Campfires and charcoal grills are not permitted at the lookout itself, though a fire ring is available below. The Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 begins just below the lookout, following ridgelines with excellent views and providing access to several high mountain lakes within 3-5 miles. A popular day hike is the 8-mile roundtrip to Mt. Pend Oreille. The final 4 miles of the access road via Forest Road 1091 is rough, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended.

Directions

From Sandpoint, take Highway 200 east 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road. Turn left onto Trestle Creek Road #275 and continue 12 miles to Lunch Peak Road #1091. Turn left onto Road 1091 and drive 4 miles to the lookout. High-clearance vehicle recommended for the final 4 miles.