DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT
DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT
DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

Featured amenities

Parking Parking

About Deer Ridge Lookout

Deer Ridge Lookout, perched on a 40 ft timber frame, boasts excellent views of the Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Canada and Montana. Located 24 mi 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.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Safety and Security

Safety and Security

  • Fire Extinguishers
Cabin Outdoor Features

Cabin Outdoor Features

  • Deck or Patio

Views and Setting

  • View
Missing information?

001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

🏠 Cabin
  • 4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews (27)

What Guests Are Saying

Deer Ridge Lookout offers a clean, well-maintained facility with stunning views and easy access for most vehicles. Guests appreciated the comfortable sleeping arrangements, spacious interior, and handy pulley system for transporting belongings. While the lookout lacks some amenities like cooking facilities and window screens, it remains a popular choice for a relaxing getaway amidst beautiful surroundings.

Review Summary

4.7
27 reviews
5
74.1%
20
4
25.9%
7
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Nicki C

Verified

September 29, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Thanks for making these available to experience the beauty and solitude of the n idaho mtns. Despite the fires , we had a clear night with great star gazing . Also visited Moyie Crossing and Sinclair lake and hiked a couple trails from the tower.

Nicki C

Verified

August 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

We had a great stay - our 6th time getting to share this special spot with out of town family and friends . Many huckleberries on the surrounding trails .

Lesly T

Verified

August 17, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

This was our 2nd stay and was as great as the first. It's always clean and tidy and the views never disappoint. Being unplugged in in such beauty is such a gift. We had a blast taking night photos much of the night after the thunderstorm passed. We'll keep coming back!

Granite A

Verified

October 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Granite A

Verified

October 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Granite A

Verified

October 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Granite A

Verified

October 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

Austin T

Verified

July 8, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

The road to the tower and the tower itself was excellent. Definitely one of the nicer towers we stayed in.

The outhouse was a different story. If you’re not afraid of spiders then it wasn’t an issue. The outhouse had about 300 black widows who kept to themselves but was still unnerving with your trousers down.

becky s

Verified

August 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

4

If you’ve never stayed in a fire lookout- this is the perfect one. Great location- easy drive up and all the wonders of the 360 views with sunrise and sunset! A rustic night in comfortable accommodations.

Misty G

Verified

December 14, 2024 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Easy to get to and beautiful inside. Narrow stairs and alot of them. You will want to pack light and avoid large coolers because the of the stairs and how narrow they are it is tricky. No table down below so bring chairs. There is a pack rat and he will come visit. Do not leave anything out you don't want stolen or chewed up. He visited us in the middle of the night and got the dogs all wound up. He built a nest in our Blackstone case with tp he found. We really enjoyed this lookout. Had a family drive up and we took them up to see inside. They had no idea they could rent them. The parking area is large and we set up corn hole to play. Exhausted by the time we left from going up and down the tower so.many times. Husband brought a pully and wench he purchased to help get the goods up to the tower.

Location & Directions for Deer Ridge Lookout

6286 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 United States

Elevation: 1,427 ft

Nearest town

Bonners Ferry, ID - 24 mi

About 54 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

General

  • Entry is by combination lock; contact the ranger district at (208) 267-5561 for combination 10-14 days prior to arrival
  • Children are discouraged from staying at this facility due to the height of the lookout
  • No candles, open flames, or smoking inside
  • Please bring garbage bags; this is a 'pack it in-pack it out' facility
  • Bring bedding, cooking supplies, flashlights, etc.
  • Use extreme caution when climbing stairs
  • Upon arrival, read lightning safety instructions located in cabin
  • Click here for more information on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests
  • 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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 21, 2026

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Explore Bonners Ferry, ID

Population: 2,669

Nearby city: Coeur d'Alene, ID

Approx. 87 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,778 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service