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

Anna E

Verified

June 16, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Really lovely, very clean, great road all the way. In fact, beautiful drive up. Hiking trails right out the front steps. It's a long way from anything and I would 100% go back.

Carla B

Verified

October 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

A dream of a place. Loved it.

Sue W

Verified

October 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Deer Ridge Lookout is an awesome place to stay. Great views, good hiking, peaceful. Stars and moon at night are fantastic. Many thanks for the USFS for making this available to rent.

Sue W

Verified

September 14, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Great place, easy access. Great to have access to rent the lookout.

Brandon J

Verified

September 29, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

Nice, newly updated lookout. Access is easy, Drive to base of tower. Be aware there is no woodburning stove, but a fire-ring is at ground level. There are 2 beds and a table. I saw 4 bears within 1/2 mi of the tower in 2 days. not much other big game sign however.

Rickey F

Verified

January 13, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

The lookout was spotless and well-equipped. The view and solitude were topnotch. We had a fantastic time. Thank you!

Josh H

Verified

January 10, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

5

We loved this lookout. Had a few visitors and picked lots of huckleberries. Our old dog wasn't able to get up the steep stairs to the top, and he's too fat to carry all the way up there, so he had to sleep in the bed of the truck. The rope pull worked great to get our stuff up and down, thought it broke when we tried to pull up the cooler. Good thing we didn't try bringing the dog up in it!

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

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Bonners Ferry, ID

Population: 2,669

Nearby city: Coeur d'Alene, ID

Approx. 87 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,778 ft

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service