About Shorty Peak Lookout
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Views and Setting
- View
001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
- 4 guests
Site Details
Reviews (68)
What Guests Are Saying
Visitors to Shorty Peak Lookout enjoyed stunning views and a memorable experience, with highlights including sightings of the northern lights and an overall sense of adventure during the hike. While some noted challenges such as spider infestations and bugs on the trail, many appreciated the lookout's cleanliness and available amenities. Overall, guests found their stay worthwhile, appreciating the beautiful scenery and the chance to connect with nature.
What Guests Are Saying
Visitors to Shorty Peak Lookout enjoyed stunning views and a memorable experience, with highlights including sightings of the northern lights and an overall sense of adventure during the hike. While some noted challenges such as spider infestations and bugs on the trail, many appreciated the lookout's cleanliness and available amenities. Overall, guests found their stay worthwhile, appreciating the beautiful scenery and the chance to connect with nature.
Review Summary
Christopher B
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Short on water but work the hike.
Christopher B
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Short on water but work the hike.
Christopher B
VerifiedJanuary 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Short on water but work the hike.
Janet P
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
We love staying at this lookout. This year, we went after a big storm. It was so pleasant to see the weather clear and the stars come out. You really feel like you are isolated from the rest of the world. The lights of Creston BC can be seen in the distance. The lookout is in good shape, and is built on a rock so is not high off the ground. There are two single beds with mattresses, but it is sometimes fun just to sleep out on the deck. Bring something to carry water because the spring is back down the trail a short ways -- the only steep part of the trail of course!
Janet P
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
We love staying at this lookout. This year, we went after a big storm. It was so pleasant to see the weather clear and the stars come out. You really feel like you are isolated from the rest of the world. The lights of Creston BC can be seen in the distance. The lookout is in good shape, and is built on a rock so is not high off the ground. There are two single beds with mattresses, but it is sometimes fun just to sleep out on the deck. Bring something to carry water because the spring is back down the trail a short ways -- the only steep part of the trail of course!
Janet P
VerifiedJanuary 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
We love staying at this lookout. This year, we went after a big storm. It was so pleasant to see the weather clear and the stars come out. You really feel like you are isolated from the rest of the world. The lights of Creston BC can be seen in the distance. The lookout is in good shape, and is built on a rock so is not high off the ground. There are two single beds with mattresses, but it is sometimes fun just to sleep out on the deck. Bring something to carry water because the spring is back down the trail a short ways -- the only steep part of the trail of course!
Brent H
VerifiedJuly 26, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Awesomeness 😊👍
Brent H
VerifiedJuly 26, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Awesomeness 😊👍
Brent H
VerifiedJuly 26, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Awesomeness 😊👍
Terry M
VerifiedJuly 27, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Thank you forest service for keeping Shorty Lookout our favorite place to unwind! This was our 5th trip so you know we love it! The stars, Milky Way and the Comet were amazing!
Location & Directions for Shorty Peak Lookout
6286 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 United States
Elevation: 1,940 ft
Getting There
From the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station: Take Highway 95 north for 17 mi. Turn left onto Highway 1 and head north for 2 mi. Turn left onto Copeland Road and head west for 4 mi. Stay right at the T junction and continue north on Westside Road for 9 ...
From the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station: Take Highway 95 north for 17 mi. Turn left onto Highway 1 and head north for 2 mi. Turn left onto Copeland Road and head west for 4 mi. Stay right at the T junction and continue north on Westside Road for 9 mi. Stay to the left around the switchback, onto Forest Road 281, then drive west for 8 mi. Turn right on Road 655 and drive west 1.5 mi. Stay right again at the switchback, heading east 1 mi on Rd 282. Go
straight at the next junction, and continue northeast on Road 282 for 4 mi. Park at the trailhead on top of the saddle before the locked gate. Hike 2.5 mi up the trail to the west to reach the lookout.
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Last updated: October 22, 2026