SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT
SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

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
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed

Campground Amenities

Views and Setting

  • View
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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)

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

4.8
68 reviews
5
82.4%
56
4
13.2%
9
3
4.4%
3
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Brent H

Verified

July 26, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

5

Awesomeness 😊👍

Brent H

Verified

July 26, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

5

Awesomeness 😊👍

Janet P

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

5

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

Verified

January 17, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

5

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!

Christopher B

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

4

Short on water but work the hike.

Christopher B

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

4

Short on water but work the hike.

Christopher B

Verified

January 15, 2020 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

4

Short on water but work the hike.

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 ...

Nearest town

Bonners Ferry, ID - 48 mi

About over 1 hr (99 min) to downtown

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 22, 2026

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Explore Bonners Ferry, ID

Population: 2,669

Nearby city: Coeur d'Alene, ID

Approx. 88 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,778 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service