Idaho / Bonner County / Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Lunch Peak Lookout

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The lookout typically operates during summer months and is accessible when Forest Road 1091 is free of snow. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Lunch Peak Lookout sits atop a high cinder block foundation at 6,414 feet elevation in the Cabinet Mountains, offering breathtaking views of Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains, and Lake Pend Oreille. This historic fire lookout, originally built in 1937 and remodeled in 2002, is the last modern-day lookout on the Sandpoint District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The 15x15 foot cabin is rustic and remote, providing a true "roughing it" experience with no heat, water, or cooking facilities. Limited furnishings include a table and storage cabinet. The lookout accommodates up to 4 people for a maximum stay of 3 nights. A vault toilet is located at the Pend Oreille Divide trailhead, 300 feet from the lookout. The Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 begins just below the lookout and follows ridge lines suitable for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Several high mountain lakes are accessible within a 3 to 5 mile radius. A popular day hike is the 8-mile roundtrip to Mount Pend Oreille. Wildlife in the area includes bear, deer, elk, and cougar. The last four miles of access road (Forest Road 1091) is rough in spots and high clearance vehicles are recommended.

Directions

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

Nearby Campgrounds