Idaho / Boundary County / Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Shorty Peak Lookout

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates late June through late September or early October depending on snow conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling basis.

About

Shorty Peak Lookout sits atop Shorty Peak in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, 45 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry. This 15x15 fire lookout, built in 1964 and refurbished in 2005, offers exceptional 360-degree unobstructed views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, Kootenai Valley, Smith Creek and Cow Creek drainages, Red Top Mountain, and Lone Tree Peak. The lookout sits on an 8-foot concrete foundation and features modern hardwood floors, two twin beds with pads, two chairs, two tables, a historic fire finder, and district maps. Access requires a moderate to steep 2.5-mile hike with a 1,300-foot elevation gain from the trailhead. The trail is also open to horseback riding. The lookout accommodates two overnight guests and provides a unique wilderness experience for landscape photography, wildlife viewing, and birding. Guests may spot red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and goshawks soaring below the lookout, along with elk, deer, and black bears in the surrounding area. This is active grizzly and black bear habitat, so proper bear safety practices are essential. Clear nights offer excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution.

Directions

From Bonners Ferry Ranger Station: Take Highway 95 north for 17 miles. Turn left onto Highway 1 and head north for 2 miles. Turn left onto Copeland Road and head west for 4 miles. Stay right at the T junction and continue north on Westside Road for 9 miles. Stay left around the switchback onto Forest Road 281, then drive west for 8 miles. Turn right on Road 655 and drive west 1.5 miles. Stay right at the switchback, heading east 1 mile on Road 282. Go straight at the next junction and continue northeast on Road 282 for 4 miles. Park at the trailhead on top of the saddle before the locked gate. Hike 2.5 miles up the trail to the west to reach the lookout.

Nearby Campgrounds