Backcountry enthusiasts seeking fire tower access will find Bald Mountain Lookout positioned within St. Joe National Forest, though the journey requires careful preparation. The Forest Service manages this tent-only site at $45 per night, with reservations available but no pet policy in effect. Road conditions demand high-clearance vehicles, as one camper notes the ride proves "very rough" and advises against bringing trailers.
Water sources remain unavailable on-site, making adequate supplies essential for extended stays. Cell service does not reach the campground, though visitors report Starlink connectivity near the tower's southeast corner. Fly populations can be significant during summer months. The forested setting combines with open terrain around the lookout structure. For additional camping choices in the region, campers can explore sites around St. Joe National Forest.
Description
Overview
Bald Mountain Lookout offers the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable views and participate in a variety of recreational opportunities. It was built in 1956 and was used as a fire lookout until 1984. Guests can drive to the lookout in vehicles with good ground clearance, but trailers are not recommended due to some rough spots on the road. The lookout is typically open from early July through early October. The accommodations are mostly primitive, but some conveniences are provided. Guests will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear for a comfortable experience.
Recreation
Access to Strychnine Ridge Trail 319 is just southwest of the lookout. This 4-mile trail intersects with Beason Meadows Trail 228 a half-mile below the lookout. The Beason Meadows Trail is 8.9 miles long and leads down to Giant White Pine Campground. These trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists and equestrians. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.
Facilities
This lookout sits 50 feet off the ground. A stairway leads to an exterior catwalk that surrounds the cabin, which can accommodate four people. A table and four chairs, a futon that folds into a twin bed with foam pad and two cots are provided. Propane appliances include a cooking stove and heater. Cookware, dishes and utensils are provided. A pit toilet is located just below the lookout. Water and electricity are not offered at the cabin. Guests need to bring their own drinking water and lighting/ Flashlights. Garbage bags are also needed to pack out trash. Bedding and additional mattresses are not provided. The refrigerator has been removed, guests may want to consider bringing a cooler with extra ice for perishable items.
Natural Features
Bald Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Hoodoo Mountain Range, and it's heavily forested with a mix of larch, red cedar, hemlock, western white pine, Douglas fir and Engelmann spruce. The lookout offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding mountains from its perch 5,334 feet above sea level. Guests who come to this rustic retreat can enjoy a panorama featuring the golden, rolling hills of the Palouse to the south and St. Maries to the north. The lookout offers an ideal vantage point to watch sunrises and sunsets or gaze at the stars. Wildlife watchers may see eagles soaring through the sky. Bear, moose, elk and deer are frequently spotted in the area.
Nearby Attractions
Bald Mountain Lookout is located just off Highway 6, which is known as the White Pine Scenic Byway. This 80-mile scenic drive takes visitors through beautiful forests, historic towns and scenic farmland.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBald Mountain Lookout is located in Idaho near Santa
Directions
From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, drive 70 miles south on U.S. Highway 95 to State Highway 6. Turn left on State Highway 6, White Pine Scenic Byway, travel through Potlatch and continue on for 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 377, Palouse Divide Road. This is a single lane, dirt surface road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. Follow FR 377 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with FR 377A. Turn on FR 377A and climb for 1 mile to Bald Mountain Lookout. This last mile of road is rough and has many water bars, so travel is slow. From Lewiston, Idaho, follow U.S. Highway 95 north for approximately 45 miles to State Highway 6. Turn right on State Highway 6, White Pine Scenic Byway, travel through Potlatch and continue on for 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 377, the Palouse Divide Road. This is a single lane, dirt surface road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. Follow FR 377 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with FR 377A. Turn on FR 377A and climb for 1 mile to Bald Mountain Lookout. This last mile of road is rough and has many water bars, so travel is slow. The Palouse District office is located in Potlatch before entering town from the west and is located off Highway 6 on the left side of the road. There is a sign located at the base of the driveway along Highway 6.
Address
1700 HIGHWAY 6
Potlatch, ID 83544
Coordinates
47.0319444 N
116.5719444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 1 hr 45 min from Lewiston, ID
- 2 hrs from Coeur d'Alene, ID
- 2 hrs 14 min from Spokane, WA
- 3 hrs 12 min from Walla Walla, WA
