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Camping

Established Camping

Deer Ridge Lookout

Deer Ridge Lookout is located in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, featuring forested terrain with varying elevations. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and the scenic Moyie River, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Overview

Deer Ridge Lookout, perched on a 40 foot timber frame, boasts excellent views of the Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Canada and Montana. Located 24 miles northeast of Bonners Ferry, guests can enjoy magnificent scenery, hiking and wildlife watching. The lookout can be accessed by car and the gravel road to the lookout is well maintained.

Recreation

Hiking and viewing the scenery are two well-loved activities at the facility. Hiking trails from the lookout follow along the Deer Ridge and Ruby Ridge. Huckleberry picking is enjoyed from August to September. Fly fishing is available in the Moyie River, where anglers can cast for rainbow and brook trout. Make sure to check all regulations and secure all permits with the local Fish and Wildlife department before heading out.

Natural Features

The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) 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 Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north. Peaks are moderate in elevation (6000 - 7000 ft.) but are rugged due to heavy glaciation. They are renowned for their mountaineering challenge. The lookout is perched atop Deer Ridge at an elevation of 4,755 feet. The view from the facility includes the rugged Purcell mountain peaks and the beautiful Moyie River Valley and Moyie Springs. Elk, deer and black bears are among the wildlife in the area. Please be aware of and practice bear safety.

Nearby Attractions

The nearest town for groceries is Bonners Ferry, about 24 miles from the lookout.

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Location

Deer Ridge Lookout is located in Idaho

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take Highway 95/2 north from the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station for 5 miles. Turn right onto Highway 2 and head east for 2 miles. Turn left onto Meadow Creek Road and head north and east for 10 miles to the bridge over the Moyie River. Turn right onto Road 2541 (Placer Creek Road) and go east 1.5 miles. Next, drive north on Road 2540 for 6 miles until the road ends at Deer Ridge Lookout.

Address

6286 MAIN STREET
Bonners ferry, ID 83805

Coordinates

48.8452778 N
116.1019444 W

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1 Review

Reviewed Sep. 17, 2016

Deer Ridge Lookout ID

I was recently here over the summer for two weeks in the Idaho Panhandle National forests. It was truly amazing. The air quality was awesome, as well as some of the views of the rocky mountains. There were tons of places to camp, and take hikes. We saw a lot of wildlife including some elk, some grouse, wood peckers, and much more. If you like huckleberries you will love this forest, because there are tons of them. I wish to visit this forest again when I'm not busy fighting the wildfires there. Luckily these were small and contained quickly so they did damage the park.

  • Review photo of Deer Ridge Lookout by Anthony S., September 17, 2016
  • Review photo of Deer Ridge Lookout by Anthony S., September 17, 2016
  • Review photo of Deer Ridge Lookout by Anthony S., September 17, 2016
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Deer Ridge Lookout have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Deer Ridge Lookout does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Deer Ridge Lookout?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Deer Ridge Lookout. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Deer Ridge Lookout, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Deer Ridge Lookout?

    There are 1 campsites at Deer Ridge Lookout and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts