Shorty Peak Lookout

6286 MAIN STREET
BONNERS FERRY, ID 83805

Overview

Shorty Peak Lookout, 45 miles northwest of Bonners Ferry, sits atop Shorty Peak with views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The rustic dwelling was once used to patrol forest fires, and is now a unique way for overnight guests to escape the city and become enthralled with 360 degree views of area's magnificence.

Access requires a moderate to steep 2.5 mile hike with a 1,300 foot elevation gain. The lookout was refurbished in 2005 and is in excellent condition.

Recreation

The 2.5 mile hike up to Shorty Peak is part of the fun of staying at the cabin. The trail is also open to horseback riding. While here, landscape photography and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes.

Birding is particularly popular and guests may have the chance to look down on some birds of prey. Look for red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and goshawks soaring over the valleys.

Clear nights offer prime stargazing opportunities.

Facilities

The 15' X 15' cabin sits atop a 5 foot foundation and can accommodate two overnight guests. The look of the interior is modern with hardwood floors. Two twin beds with pads, two chairs, two tables, a historic fire finder, and a district map are included inside the cabin. A pit toilet is within 100 yards of the lookout.

No drinking water or electricity is available. Guests are asked to bring plenty of water, food, bedding, a first aid kit and all other basic camp gear.

Horses are allowed, but no corrals or hitching racks are available. Hobbles are recommended for horses.

Natural Features

Shorty Peak lookout is located in the Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The land is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north.

The 360-degree unobstructed vista from Shorty Peak Lookout is exceptional, with views of Kootenai Valley, U.S. and Canadian Selkirks, Smith Creek and Cow Creek drainage areas, Red Top Mountain, and the higher Lone Tree Peak a mile to the west.

Elk, deer and black bears are among the wildlife in the area. This is bear country, both grizzly and black. The Forest Service recommends that you be able to distinguish between them. Please be aware of and practice bear safety while camping in this area.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest location for a convenience store is the Canadian border. A more cost effective location for groceries and gear is in Bonners Ferry, about 50 miles from the lookout.

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Largest party: 4 people

Directions

From the 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 to the 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 again at the switchback, heading east 1 mile on Rd 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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 1 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

22 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

Paul O

Loop:Area Shorty Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Had a great stay (2 nights) at Shorty Peak. I believe we were maybe the last for the season. Saw the northern lights on the first night, and we got snow on night 2, so winter must not be far off. Was cold, but that’s better than buggy in my book. Long hike up the hill, so be prepared and don’t overpack, but bring everything you’ll need. Excellent views at the top! All in all, we had a great time!

Angie C

Loop:Area Shorty Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

The view from this lookout is spectacular. The hike was great--a couolesteep spots, but it was pretty easy. The reason we're not rating this 5 stars is because the tower is infested with spiders. Infested. We killed hundreds and hundreds, but when they come out at night there no escaping them. The beds were pretty worse for the wear. We didnt expect a five star hotel, but next time we'd take a tent to set up inside the tower. There's nowhere outside for a tent--too many rocks. It was a gorgeous view, but not much sleep was had by anyone because they were too busy swatting spiders! 😆

Danielle J

Loop:Area Shorty Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Awesome stay! Be prepared for a workout on your way up. Absolutely worth it though!

Michael W

Loop:Area Shorty Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Amazing lookout very well kept up. My only advice is to bring bug spray for the hike out to the lookout. It's a buggy trail. But the huckleberry were huge.

Kristine A

Loop:Area Shorty Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Always a treat to stay at Shorty Peak! Road is in good shape, the lookout tidy and the views outstanding. The bathroom is a bit rough, dark and smelly. A pleasant, moderate hike except for the swarm of mosquitos at the start of the journey. A great lookout experience.

Kylie P

Loop:Area Shorty Peak Lookout

Site:

Reviewed a year ago

Excellent experience. The lookout has been updated since our previous visit several years ago. Beautiful weather and we walked to the stream for water refills. There were a lot of bugs and flies inside the lookout.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve