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

Paul O

Verified

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

5

Had a great stay (2 nights) at Shorty Peak. I believe we were maybe the last for the season. Saw the northern lights on the first night, and we got snow on night 2, so winter must not be far off. Was cold, but that’s better than buggy in my book. Long hike up the hill, so be prepared and don’t overpack, but bring everything you’ll need. Excellent views at the top! All in all, we had a great time!

Paul O

Verified

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

5

Had a great stay (2 nights) at Shorty Peak. I believe we were maybe the last for the season. Saw the northern lights on the first night, and we got snow on night 2, so winter must not be far off. Was cold, but that’s better than buggy in my book. Long hike up the hill, so be prepared and don’t overpack, but bring everything you’ll need. Excellent views at the top! All in all, we had a great time!

Paul O

Verified

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

5

Had a great stay (2 nights) at Shorty Peak. I believe we were maybe the last for the season. Saw the northern lights on the first night, and we got snow on night 2, so winter must not be far off. Was cold, but that’s better than buggy in my book. Long hike up the hill, so be prepared and don’t overpack, but bring everything you’ll need. Excellent views at the top! All in all, we had a great time!

Angie C

Verified

September 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

3

The view from this lookout is spectacular. The hike was great--a couolesteep spots, but it was pretty easy. The reason we're not rating this 5 stars is because the tower is infested with spiders. Infested. We killed hundreds and hundreds, but when they come out at night there no escaping them. The beds were pretty worse for the wear. We didnt expect a five star hotel, but next time we'd take a tent to set up inside the tower. There's nowhere outside for a tent--too many rocks. It was a gorgeous view, but not much sleep was had by anyone because they were too busy swatting spiders! 😆

Angie C

Verified

September 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

3

The view from this lookout is spectacular. The hike was great--a couolesteep spots, but it was pretty easy. The reason we're not rating this 5 stars is because the tower is infested with spiders. Infested. We killed hundreds and hundreds, but when they come out at night there no escaping them. The beds were pretty worse for the wear. We didnt expect a five star hotel, but next time we'd take a tent to set up inside the tower. There's nowhere outside for a tent--too many rocks. It was a gorgeous view, but not much sleep was had by anyone because they were too busy swatting spiders! 😆

Angie C

Verified

September 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA SHORTY PEAK LOOKOUT

3

The view from this lookout is spectacular. The hike was great--a couolesteep spots, but it was pretty easy. The reason we're not rating this 5 stars is because the tower is infested with spiders. Infested. We killed hundreds and hundreds, but when they come out at night there no escaping them. The beds were pretty worse for the wear. We didnt expect a five star hotel, but next time we'd take a tent to set up inside the tower. There's nowhere outside for a tent--too many rocks. It was a gorgeous view, but not much sleep was had by anyone because they were too busy swatting spiders! 😆

Danielle J

Verified

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

5

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

Danielle J

Verified

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

5

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

Danielle J

Verified

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

5

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

Michael W

Verified

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

5

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.

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