Surveyors Lookout

About

Surveyors Lookout offers a unique overnight experience in a historic fire lookout tower within the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Built in 1931 as part of a network of lookouts used to spot fires in the Upper St. Joe Country, the original pole structure was replaced with the current treated timber tower in 1964. The 30-foot tower is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register and provides phenomenal views of Snow Peak and the surrounding Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area. The lookout accommodates up to four guests and is furnished with a twin bed, two extra mattresses, chest of drawers, a small refrigerator (noted as unreliable), propane cook stove, propane heater with lights, cooking pots and utensils, and a rodent-proof food container. No drinking water is available at the facility; guests must bring their own or collect water from a spring 1.4 miles down the access road (non-potable, requires boiling or treatment). A vault toilet is located on site. The lookout provides access to several trails including Scribner Falls Trail #106, Surveyor's Ridge Trail #40, Horseshoe Loop Trail #141, and Northbound Creek Trail #111. The area offers hunting and trout fishing in designated areas. Avery is the nearest town for supplies and conveniences. Access requires navigating a rugged single-lane road with pullouts that is not recommended for low clearance vehicles and may be slick when wet.

Directions

From the St. Joe River Road (FH50) to Beaver Creek: Drive 29 miles east of Avery to the junction of Red Ives Road 218. Turn south (right) and drive 8 miles to the junction of Beaver Creek Road 303 (just past Beaver Creek Campground). Drive about 7.5 miles to Road 201. Turn south (left) toward Sawtooth Saddle. Drive 13 miles to the access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A). Turn right and follow the access road approximately 0.5 mile to the lookout. Access is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts, not recommended for low clearance vehicles.