Idaho / Clearwater County / Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests

Scurvy Mountain Lookout

Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout typically operates July through September. Roads and trails are often blocked by snowpack in early season, and Hoodoo Pass access route is typically impassable from late October to mid-July.

About

The Scurvy Mountain Lookout stands as a testament to Forest Service history, originally constructed as a platform in 1917 with living quarters added in 1935. The current cab was built in 1952 and painstakingly restored by volunteers over a decade, earning placement on the National Register of Historic Lookouts in 2004. Perched on Scurvy Peak at 6,600 feet elevation, this low-profile lookout provides unobstructed 360-degree views encompassing the Cayuse Creek and Weitas Creek drainages to the south, Cook Mountain to the west, the Moose Creek Buttes to the north, and the Bitterroot Mountains with Scurvy Lake to the east. The restored lookout consists of a 12x12-foot wooden cab surrounded by a catwalk, sitting atop an 8-foot cinderblock structure. Inside, guests find one bed, a small table with chairs, two countertops with cabinets, and a modern wood stove. A vault toilet outhouse is provided. Water must be obtained from a spring approximately half a mile away on Trail 524 and requires treatment before consumption. Guests must bring all supplies, gear, linens, cleaning materials, and toiletries. Access to the lookout is an adventure itself, requiring approximately 50 miles of mostly single-lane gravel roads from Pierce, Idaho, with the final 4 miles on rutted two-track requiring an experienced operator with a 4WD high-clearance vehicle. From the trailhead at East Saddle, Trail 524 climbs 5 miles with steep grades to reach the lookout. The site is also accessible via OHV less than 50 inches wide. An alternative route from Superior, Montana via I-90 crosses Hoodoo Pass, typically impassable from late October to mid-July. The remote location, dramatic vistas, and excellent stargazing make this lookout ideal for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.

Directions

From Pierce, Idaho: Take State Highway 11 south, then turn east onto French Mountain Road (FSR 250) near the south end of town. Travel 45 miles on FSR 250, staying right after crossing the North Fork Clearwater River. At Kelly Forks work center, take FSR 255 across the river for 11 miles to the FSR 255/FSR 581 junction. Follow FSR 581 for 4 miles to Trail 524 trailhead at East Saddle. Hike or ride Trail 524 for 5 miles to the lookout. Requires 4WD high-clearance vehicle for final 4 miles of road. Alternative route from Superior, Montana via I-90 crosses Hoodoo Pass, typically impassable late October to mid-July.

Nearby Campgrounds