Does Shorty Peak Lookout have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Shorty Peak Lookout does not have wifi.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Shorty Peak 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 Shorty Peak Lookout. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Shorty Peak Lookout, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Shorty Peak Lookout?

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

Established Camping

Shorty Peak Lookout

Be The First to Review

Shorty Peak Lookout is located in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, featuring forested terrain with mountainous surroundings. The area experiences temperature highs around 80°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Visitors can explore attractions like the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and the Moyie River, both offering opportunities for outdoor activities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Idaho Panhandle National Forests

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.

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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Shorty Peak Lookout is located in Idaho

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.