About Shorty Peak Lookout
Number of accommodations: 1
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Site Details
Reviews (44)
What Guests Are Saying
Shorty Peak Lookout offers spectacular views and a memorable experience for visitors, making it a great retreat. Hikers should prepare for a challenging ascent, but many agree the effort is well worth it. While some guests noted issues with bugs and the condition of the lookout's facilities, the overall ambiance and natural beauty are highly praised.
What Guests Are Saying
Shorty Peak Lookout offers spectacular views and a memorable experience for visitors, making it a great retreat. Hikers should prepare for a challenging ascent, but many agree the effort is well worth it. While some guests noted issues with bugs and the condition of the lookout's facilities, the overall ambiance and natural beauty are highly praised.
Review Summary
Rebecca R
VerifiedJuly 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Lookout in immaculate shape as always ! 3rd time up here and the mosquitoes always kill on the way up but the top is always worth it
Rebecca R
VerifiedJuly 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Lookout in immaculate shape as always ! 3rd time up here and the mosquitoes always kill on the way up but the top is always worth it
Granite A
VerifiedJuly 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Greatly enjoyed my stay here with a friend. Was an excellent chance to slow down and enjoy life!
Granite A
VerifiedJuly 14, 2022 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Greatly enjoyed my stay here with a friend. Was an excellent chance to slow down and enjoy life!
Marcus B
VerifiedAugust 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Great experience. It's a 2.6 mile hike up. About 1300' elevation gain. Trail is rough in spots. It winds through heavy timber for most of the way. The trail to the spring branches off about 1/2 mile before the summit and it's about a 1/2 mile down that trail to the spring. The spring is probably about 800 feet below the lookout. The lookout is in good shape, has two single beds with fairly comfortable mattresses. There is no stove for heat or otherwise. There is a table, a couple of chairs, and a bureau with drawers and doors which contains some various gear left for everyone to use. The outhouse is a bit of a hike down about 200 yards. The views from the lookout are amazing. You can see in all directions, as well as get a good view of parts of the Kootenai River Valley. Excellent view of the Lions Head, a stunning peak in the heart of the Idaho Selkirks.
Marcus B
VerifiedAugust 24, 2021 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Great experience. It's a 2.6 mile hike up. About 1300' elevation gain. Trail is rough in spots. It winds through heavy timber for most of the way. The trail to the spring branches off about 1/2 mile before the summit and it's about a 1/2 mile down that trail to the spring. The spring is probably about 800 feet below the lookout. The lookout is in good shape, has two single beds with fairly comfortable mattresses. There is no stove for heat or otherwise. There is a table, a couple of chairs, and a bureau with drawers and doors which contains some various gear left for everyone to use. The outhouse is a bit of a hike down about 200 yards. The views from the lookout are amazing. You can see in all directions, as well as get a good view of parts of the Kootenai River Valley. Excellent view of the Lions Head, a stunning peak in the heart of the Idaho Selkirks.
Desi S
VerifiedOctober 5, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Weather turned out amazing !! Sunset and sunrise were spectacular. Late September so a little chilly. Brought hand and feet warmers. Brought battery lights to hand in lookout. Couple games in cabin to play which was much appreciated. Lol cattle on road were very stubborn! But got to trailhead easy, road was well Maintained. Hike has a pretty good elevation gain 🥵 but totally worth it.
Desi S
VerifiedOctober 5, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Weather turned out amazing !! Sunset and sunrise were spectacular. Late September so a little chilly. Brought hand and feet warmers. Brought battery lights to hand in lookout. Couple games in cabin to play which was much appreciated. Lol cattle on road were very stubborn! But got to trailhead easy, road was well Maintained. Hike has a pretty good elevation gain 🥵 but totally worth it.
Mike B
VerifiedOctober 1, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Wonderful stay, lookout is in great shape and clean!
Mike B
VerifiedOctober 1, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
Wonderful stay, lookout is in great shape and clean!
Location Shorty Peak Lookout
Address:
6286 Main Street
Bonners Ferry, ID, 83805
United States
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.
Latitude & Longitude: 48.9403 / -116.688
Elevation: 1940 feet
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 4, 2026
