Shorty Peak Lookout Near Bonners Ferry, ID

About Shorty Peak Lookout

Shorty Peak Lookout, 45 mi northwest of Bonners Ferry, sits atop Shorty Peak with views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. The rustic dwelling was once used to patrol forest fires, and is now a unique way for overnight guests to escape the city and become enthralled with 360 degree views of area's magnificence. Access requires a moderate to steep 2.5 mi hike with a 1.3 ft elevation gain. The lookout was refurbished in 2005 and is in excellent condition.

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season

Upcoming seasons

Past seasons

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Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Views and Setting

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001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

$45

/ per night

🏠 Cabin

4 guests

Site Details

Up to 4 guests

Surface: Gravel

View Site Details

Reviews (68)

Verified Only

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

Review Summary

4.8

68 reviews

82.4%

13.2%

4.4%

0.0%

Kylie P

Verified

July 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Excellent experience. The lookout has been updated since our previous visit several years ago. Beautiful weather and we walked to the stream for water refills.
There were a lot of bugs and flies inside the lookout.

Kylie P

Verified

July 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Kylie P

Verified

July 15, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Kristine A

Verified

July 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Always a treat to stay at Shorty Peak! Road is in good shape, the lookout tidy and the views outstanding. The bathroom is a bit rough, dark and smelly. A pleasant, moderate hike except for the swarm of mosquitos at the start of the journey. A great lookout experience.

Kristine A

Verified

July 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Kristine A

Verified

July 23, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Michael W

Verified

August 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Amazing lookout very well kept up. My only advice is to bring bug spray for the hike out to the lookout. It's a buggy trail. But the huckleberry were huge.

Michael W

Verified

August 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Amazing lookout very well kept up. My only advice is to bring bug spray for the hike out to the lookout. It's a buggy trail. But the huckleberry were huge.

Michael W

Verified

August 12, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Amazing lookout very well kept up. My only advice is to bring bug spray for the hike out to the lookout. It's a buggy trail. But the huckleberry were huge.

Danielle J

Verified

September 19, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

Awesome stay! Be prepared for a workout on your way up. Absolutely worth it though!

Location & Directions for Shorty Peak Lookout

6286 Main Street, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 United States

Elevation: 1,940 ft

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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 ...

Nearest town

Bonners Ferry, ID - 48 mi

About over 1 hr (99 min) to downtown

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