Shoshone Park is a pristine forested park with a stream running through the area. It features two reservable kitchen shelters suitable for groups of all types. Perks of the family-friendly site include a large field and the Hale Fish Hatchery on the east end of the park.
A point of particular interest is the Captain John Mullan historic cabin. Mullan was a 19th Century military commander who built a wagon road, which is used today as a hiking trail and snowmobiling route.
Recreation
Groups enjoy playing baseball on the open field, pitching horseshoes and barbecuing. Bird watching is a rewarding pastime here, and a visit to the fish hatchery always fun.
Facilities
The park includes 21 first-come first-served picnic tables in addition to the group kitchen facilities. Both kitchen shelters come with large grills and piped drinking water. The West Kitchen Shelter has electric hookups.
Natural Features
At 3,600 feet, Shoshone Park sits in a valley at the base of Runt Mountain, a peak in the Bitterroot Mountains. The park is part of Idaho Panhandle National Forests, located near the border of Montana.
Nearby Attractions
A few miles west is the historic mining town of Mullan, Idaho.
Nearby Activities
Biking
Camping
Fish hatchery
Gallery
Directions
From Mullan, drive east on Friday Ave, which turns into Larson Road. Total trip is about 3 miles. Look for signs to Shoshone Park. The West Kitchen is the first shelter when entering the park.
Little Guard Lookout, located about 9 miles north of Shoshone Camp, was one of the last remaining fire lookouts used in the Coeur d’Alene River area and has only just recently become inactive.
The structure standing today on Little Guard Peak is the third in a series of lookout buildings that originated back to 1919. In October 1990, Little Guard Lookout was accepted for listing in the National Historic Lookout Register and the first for Idaho.
Recreation
Hiking is a great way to explore and take in the scenery of the grand mountains. The lookout provides access to the Shoshone Ridge Trail #81, a very nice day hike for visitors to the lookout. The trail provides many scenic viewpoints, but there is no source of water along the way, so hikers must bring plenty of their own.
Facilities
The fully furnished two-story fire lookout has dimensions of 14 x 14 feet, an external cat walk, and a gabled roof. It sleeps four guests, with one single bed and three fold-up cots available. Quarters are tight and at least two cots will need to be set up downstairs in the kitchen area.
The kitchen is on the ground floor and is equipped with a small propane refrigerator, propane cook stove, table, chairs and basic cooking utensils. Propane for the stove and refrigerator is also provided.
The outdoor pit toilet is within 200 feet of the lookout. It comes with biodegradable toilet paper. Other amenities include a propane heater upstairs and propane lanterns, but renters will need to bring their own propane for these.
No water or electricity is available. Visitors should bring plenty of water. A mountain spring is within a half-mile by footpath, and can be boiled and treated for consumption.
In addition to water, guests should bring food, propane for lanterns and heater, matches or lighters, warm clothing, garbage bags, insect repellent, towels and washcloths, toiletries, dish soap and a first aid kit. Air mattresses or sleeping pads are also recommended.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 6,031 feet, the lookout boasts spectacular views overlooking the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River and the Bitterroot Mountains, with views of nearby Downey Peak to the northwest.
Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds.
Nearby Activities
Historic & cultural site
Camping
Hiking
Hunting
Wildlife viewing
Gallery
Directions
From I-90, take Exit #43 (Kingston) and drive 24 miles north on Forest Highway 9 to Prichard junction. From there, continue on Forest Road 208 for about 5 miles to Forest Road 602 (on the right just past Shoshone Base Camp). Drive about 9 miles to the lookout at the end of the road. Vehicles with high clearance and good tires are strongly recommended.
Lunch Peak lookout offers breathtaking views of Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille. Located in the Cabinet Mountains, 35 miles northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho, the lookout sits at 6,414 ft. Guests can enjoy easy access to Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67.
The lookout is remote and rustic with no heat, furnishings, water or cooking facilities. This basic structure lets visitors experience the feeling of “roughing it” while enjoying the cozy shelter and incredible views of the mountains and valleys below.
Recreation
The Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 starts just below the lookout and is suitable for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. It follows ridge lines for much of its length and offers great views in all directions. A nice day hike is out to Mt. Pend Oreille and back. 8 miles roundtrip.
Facilities
The 15’x15′ cabin was remodeled in 2002 and sits atop a 15′ high cinder block foundation. No water or heat is provided. The lookout has limited furnishings which include a sleeping platform, table and cabinet. A modern vault toilet is located at the Pend Oreille Divide trailhead, 300 feet away.
The last four miles of the access road is rough in spots and high clearance vehicles are necessary.
Natural Features
The lookout is located northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho and Lake Pend Oreille at an elevation of 6,414 feet.
Bear, deer, elk, and cougar are among the wildlife native to the area. Visitors are cautioned to be aware of and practice bear safety while staying at Lunch Peak Lookout.
Nearby Attractions
The closest convenience store and fuel is located in Hope, Idaho, approximately 20 miles or a one hour drive.
Charges & Cancellations
CLOSED 2020
Nearby Activities
Biking
Camping
Hiking
Horseback riding
Hunting
Wildlife viewing
Gallery
Directions
From Sandpoint take Hwy 200 east 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road; turn left onto Trestle Creek Road #275 and go 12 miles to Lunch Peak Road #1091; turn left onto Road 1091 and go 4 miles to the lookout.
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.
Facilities
The 14′ X 14′ cabin has a wraparound catwalk, with a trap door that lifts for access to the tower’s entrance staircase. The staircase is steep and is not recommended for small children. Furnishings include two twin beds, two chairs, a dresser and a table. A pit toilet is located 50 yards away.
No water is available. Guests should bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. Cooking is not permitted in the lookout. All cooking should be done outside and at ground level. Guests should bring a tarp to block the rain. Other items to bring include bedding, a first aid kit, towels and flashlights.
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.
Nearby Activities
Camping
Hiking
Wildlife viewing
Gallery
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.
Located near the Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area Attractions, Surveyors Lookout is perched atop a 30 foot tower, providing phenomenal views of Snow Peak and the surrounding mountains. The cabin is listed on the National Historic Register for Lookouts and offers visitors a unique camping experience in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest.
The original pole structure lookout was built in 1931 as part of a network of lookouts used to spot fires in the Upper St. Joe Country. The original lookout was replaced with the current treated timber structure in 1964.
Access to the lookout is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts, and is not recommended for low clearance vehicles. Road may be slick when wet.
Recreation
The Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area straddles the divide between the Little North Fork Clearwater River basins and the North Fork Clearwater River. This beautiful area attracts hikers and some technical rock climbers. Hunting and trout fishing are offered in designated areas.
From the lookout, there is access to Scribner Falls Trail #106 and nearby access to Surveyor’s Ridge Trail #40, Horseshoe Loop Trail #141, and Northbound Creek Trail #111.
A scenic drive through the upper St. Joe country is an excellent way to take in the sights leading up to the lookout.
Facilities
Surveyors Lookout can accommodate up to four guests. Furnishings include a propane cook stove, heater and lights. A twin bed and two extra mattresses are provided, along with a chest with some drawers. A refrigerator is also available, but it is very small and unreliable. It is recommended that guests bring a cooler with ice as backup. Cooking pots and utensils are included.
No drinking water is available; guests should bring plenty of their own. An alternate option is to collect water from a spring located 1.4 miles down the access road. This water is non-potable and must be boiled or treated before consuming.
Items to pack include food, bedding, a first aid kit, dish soap, towels, toiletries and binoculars. If planning to collect water from a stream, water containers are needed. Guests are advised to bring warm clothes and blankets for cold evenings. Although a heater is provided, the lookout is not insulated so it remains cold.
Natural Features
Surveyors Lookout is located atop Surveyors Ridge at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The 30 foot tower overlooks the spectacular Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area, which straddles the divide between the Little North Fork Clearwater River basins and the North Fork Clearwater River. Snow Peak, Middle Sister and Mallard Peak Lookouts are still standing and can be seen from Surveyors.
Nearby Attractions
Avery is the nearest town for conveniences.
Nearby Activities
Camping
Hiking
Gallery
Directions
From the St. Joe River Road (FH50) to Beaver Creek, drive 29 miles east of Avery to the junction of the 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 access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A).
From St. Regis, take Little Joe Road 282 about 14.5 miles to the top of Gold Summit. Stay on the same road which changes names at the summit and becomes FH50. Travel about 12.5 miles to the junction of the Red Ives Road 218. Drive about 8 miles on the Red Ives Road 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 access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A).
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.
Nearby Activities
Camping
Horseback riding
Wildlife viewing
Gallery
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.
Big Hank Campground is located along the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Shore fishing is a large draw, along with local hiking and biking trails. The campground also provides an excellent base camp for hunters during season.
Wildlife like mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds are often spotted.
Recreation
Tubing on the river is a popular summertime activity, as is cutthroat fishing.
Whitewater rafting enthusiasts enjoy the class I-III rapids down the river.
Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are a short drive away. Highlights include trails to Centennial Falls, Shadow Falls and Settler’s Grove of Ancient Cedars.
Facilities
Big Hank Campground offers about 30 spacious campsites for tent camping. Drinking water from hand pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables and established fire rings are among the conveniences offered. Roads and campsite parking spurs are paved.
Natural Features
Big Hank is in a heavily wooded area on the banks of the Couer D’ Alene River and Big Hank Creek. At 2,800 feet elevation, the campground sits on the Big Hank Meadow.
Nearby Activities
Biking
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming site
Birding
Gallery
Directions
From Kingston on I-90, take Exit 43 to FH-9 and drive 20 miles north to Prichard, then turn left and continue 17 miles north on FH Road 208 to campground.
Bell Bay Campground is a prime place to set up camp on Coeur d’Alene Lake. The upper camp loop is on a hill overlooking the beautiful lake, while the lower loop sits on a short ridge along the shoreline.
Recreation
Hikers enjoy the Bell Bay Trail, a foot path that runs for a mile around the lake shore.
The lake beach offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, power boating and canoeing.
Anglers enjoy the abundance of trout, salmon and panfish in the vast lake.
Facilities
Bell Bay campground offers six reservable single family sites and several other sites that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a large group campground on the upper loop that can accommodate up to 60 guests. Drinking water, vault toilets and campfire rings are provided.
The lower loop has two docks where boats can be moored. The walk from the docks is fairly steep but short.
Natural Features
Located in the Panhandle of northern Idaho, the campground is surrounded by a forest of Ponderosa and other mixed pines. It lies on the southeast shores of Coeur d’Alene Lake just north of Harrison, Idaho.
The lake spans 50 square miles, offering countless recreation opportunities and scenic views for visitors.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on the northern side of the lake, is a popular destination. About an hour away, the area offers paddle boat rentals, ferry rides, sea plane rides and more.
Nearby Activities
Biking
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Canoeing
Gallery
Directions
From Pinehurst, Idaho, take Interstate 90 west and turn south on Highway 3. Make a right on Highway 97 and continue north for 13 miles. Turn west onto Road 314 (also known as East Point Road) and continue 3 miles to campground.
Campers come to Osprey for sunshine and boating at Priest Lake, and for breathtaking views of the rugged Selkirk Mountains. Fishing is also a big draw, with trout just waiting to be caught.
While here, watch for moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves, mountain lions and deer. Osprey, as inferred by the campground name, also inhabit the area.
Recreation
Boating, canoeing, kayaking and wake boarding are summertime favorites. Boaters like to head north on the lake and traverse a narrow thoroughfare to reach Upper Priest Lake Scenic Area.
Anglers often catch Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon.
Facilities
Campground roads and parking spurs are paved and facilities are accessible. Amenities include flush toilets, fire rings and picnic tables that are naturally shaded by towering trees.
Natural Features
Osprey Campground is perched on the lower western shore of Priest Lake near Outlet Bay. The beautiful 25,000-acre lake is fed by springs trickling down from the Selkirks. The clear, blue lake reaches 300 feet in depth.
Nearby Attractions
Hike the Chipmunk Rapids Trail that traverses along the Kaniksu Marsh, Priest River and Chipmunk Rapids.
In winter, ice fishing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are popular activities in the surrounding area.
Nearby Activities
Biking
Boating
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Water sports
Canoeing
Scuba diving
Gallery
Directions
From I-90, turn at Post Falls Highway 41 north to Newport. Take Highway 2 east to Priest River at the junction of Highway 57 and Highway 2. Turn left at the Texaco station on Highway 57 and drive 25 miles to Outlet Bay Road. Turn right for approximately 0.5 miles and left on Lakeshore Road. There is a
directional sign pointing the way to Osprey Campground.
Bumblebee Campground is nestled in a dense forest near the Little North Fork Coeur D’Alene River, making it a perfect fishing and seasonal hunting base camp. Swimming and floating the river are popular activities as well.
Recreation
Bumblebee’s creekside location creates easy access for floating, swimming and wading. Trout fishing is available about a half-mile from the campground in the Little North Fork of Coeur d’Alene River. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are the most common catches.
About 15 miles from the campground is the 803 Motorized Trail System, which provides dedicated off-road trails and open roads in the Steamboat Creek area.
Facilities
Bumblebee is comprised of two loops, each with vault toilets and hand-pumped drinking water. Roads are paved and campsite parking spurs are sealed gravel.
Several single-family campsites are available. A group site can accommodate up to 100 people.
Natural Features
The campground sits next to Bumblebee Creek near the Little North Fork Coeur D’Alene River at an elevation of 2,200 feet.
Coeur d’Alene National Forest spans 726,819 acres and is one of three forests comprising the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The majority of Idaho’s waters are located in this northern region.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Coeur d’Alene is a delightful place to explore. Visitors can go paddle boating or parasailing on Lake Coeur d’Alene, or even take a trip around the lake on a seaplane. A variety of shops and restaurants are available.
Charges & Cancellations
A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.
Nearby Activities
Biking
Camping
Hiking
Swimming site
Gallery
Directions
Take the Kingston Exit off Interstate 90 and take Forest Road 9 North for 5.4 miles. Turn left onto Bumblebee cutoff and head 3 miles to the campground sign at the junction with Forest Road 796. Turn right onto Forest Road 796 and go 0.1 miles to the campground. Single sites are on the loop to the right and the group site is the loop on the left.
