About Arid Peak Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
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2026 Season availability
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Reviews (23)
What Guests Are Saying
Arid Peak Lookout offers a unique and cozy experience, perfect for those seeking some unplugged time in nature. While the hike can be challenging, many find it rewarding and enjoyable, with beautiful scenery and abundant huckleberries. However, visitors should be cautious with directions and road conditions, as some signs may be down and navigation can be tricky.
What Guests Are Saying
Arid Peak Lookout offers a unique and cozy experience, perfect for those seeking some unplugged time in nature. While the hike can be challenging, many find it rewarding and enjoyable, with beautiful scenery and abundant huckleberries. However, visitors should be cautious with directions and road conditions, as some signs may be down and navigation can be tricky.
Review Summary
BEAUMONT L
VerifiedJanuary 18, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
we had a great time at Arid Peak! The hike kicked our butts, but we managed. The lookout needs a little maintenance, but it sounds like it was scheduled to be done. We loved the unique experience and the opportunity to be unplugged for a little while. Highly recommend, if you are up for a "rustic" experience with some quiet together time.
Hannah P
VerifiedAugust 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Loved this one. Hike was pretty painless and the lookout was old but so cozy!
patrick s
VerifiedJuly 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Bad directions. Trail signs are down.
Lauren F
VerifiedJuly 16, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Arid Peak Lookout is incredible. Second time there. Thanks to all who keep it going and available for everyone to experience. I love Idaho!
Andrew K
VerifiedAugust 27, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Fantastic!
emily n
VerifiedAugust 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
BEAUTIFUL spot!! Do not trust Google Maps like we did to find the trailhead. There were tons of propane, plenty of kitchen supplies, but was running very low on TP. The huckleberries are abundant!
Veronica P
VerifiedAugust 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
I'm giving this review 3 stars, not so much because of the lookout but because of my experience getting in and out. First, I met in-person with the forest ranger in St Marie, ID day of, to check on the conditions and what route we should take. We were heading on after our stay via I-90 East, so we wanted to enter via Avery, ID, and exit to Wallace, ID. She confirmed that the weather was clear, 0 wildfire risk, and said that we should 'follow the state gravel road through Moon Pass to Wallace'. I then checked with locals in Avery and St. Marie to confirm that the roads were passable for our VW Beetle.
Getting to the lookout from Avery was easy. We had to take a bit of detour from the directions online based on the forest ranger's rec, but we had a full paper map with each road pass-ability marked out (so AWD-recommended vs. high-clearance needed etc). There was one part on the way with 4WD-recommended, but being cautious in a normal car worked just as well.
Our hike was not strenuous to the lookout, but as we reached the top we noticed louder and louder thunder. Taking note that the smoke around us was only getting denser making it impossible to see if a fire started, we decided to hike out -- though we got to see the lookout before we left, it was great! Then lightening struck around 50 ft from us, and we ran back to the car.
After running the 2.5 miles, the storm had passed over us with no impact on the road, so as night fell we decided to go on over the gravel road to Wallace. The way to get to Wallace involved going through Moon Pass, a 4-way dirt intersection. Now, based on the map we could either go straight or right to get to Wallace, with both roads marked as passable for all vehicles and no clear label for 'Moon Pass'. We went straight, as it was less windy.
DO NOT DO THIS. It is an old dirt forest service road. It would've been nearly impossible in a high-clearance car; we barely made it after 1.5 hours. ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK/WALK AHEAD IN THE DARK!
Kristine A
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Nice hike to the Lookout.
Janae M
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
Arid was a treat! The hike in, like others is pretty steep for the first half. After that, you’re cruising. As old and rickety as it appeared on the outside, this LO is as solid as can be on the inside. There was a nice Coleman there and a few cans of propane left by other folks. Unfortunately, the tree growth surrounding this LO blocks a lot of the sunset, and that was a little bit of a bummer. The sunrise, however was gorgeous. It was so peaceful and with no cell reception, it really is a wonderful thing to sit and relax, ponder. Meditate. Breathe. Listen. All of it. No distractions. We overall enjoyed our stay. Thank you FS for allowing us to enjoy the experience of staying here!
Marita M
VerifiedJuly 14, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA ARID PEAK LOOKOUT
The lookout isn't in very good shape, but we still had a great time, as always, when staying in one. We added 1800' and 2 1/2 miles to our trip, making it a 5-mile / 2500' elevation gain hike, because Google Maps took us to the wrong TH. Made for a really good workout, just unexpected. LOL
We checked out directions on this page, too, but they just give them from Avery, which would have added quite a few miles to the trip. I hope that this can be corrected in the directions. Also, one of the doors to the catwalk does not latch, which makes it a little tricky to get your stuff up there.
I slept on the catwalk and had a couple of pack rats visit, which made for an interesting night. All in all, it was a great adventure! :-)
Location Arid Peak Lookout
Address:
34 Hoyt Drive Hc Box 1
Avery, ID, 83802
United States
From Avery, turn left and head north up the North Fork of the St. Joe River Road #456 toward Wallace. Travel about 4.5 miles, then turn left down the hill just before the bridge across the river. You will then be on Road #1997, which is a single lane gravel road with pull outs. Drive about 3.5 miles and turn left on the first road (also labeled Road No. 1997). Travel 6.5 miles to Trailhead #175.
A turn-around is just past the trailhead before the gate. Do not block the turnaround or the gate. Park in the wide spot by the trailhead. Hike up Trail #175 for 1.5 miles to the junction with Trail #173. Turn right and hike 1.5 miles on Trail #173 to Arid Peak.
Latitude & Longitude: 47.3589 / -115.765
Elevation: 1610 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Entry is by combination lock; combination can be found on your confirmation. |
| General |
No drinking water available; bring water or treat and boil spring water, found a half-mile down a steep trail |
| General |
Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in-pack it out' facility |
| General |
Wastewater should be strained and all food particles should be packed out; remaining water should be poured in a hole away from lookout |
| General |
No smoking allowed in lookout |
| General |
No pets allowed |
| General |
Please seal all food in rodent-proof containers (one provided) or coolers |
| General |
Bring plenty of blankets and warm clothes for cold nights |
| General |
Click here for more information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. |
