Mike B
VerifiedOctober 1, 2020 Stayed at: Spyglass Cabin
Great location and excellent facility condition, with huckleberries galore. Beware of ATV, motorcycle and UTV users showing up at all hours, gate not effective.
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About Spyglass Ground House
Spyglass Lookout Ground House is located on Spyglass Peak, in the heart of the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests. It's approximately 2.5 mi east and slightly south, as the crow flies, of the Magee Historic Site.
The Spyglass Lookout site is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register. It was first used as a patrol point in 1911 and by the 1920s supported a tower and housing for forest fire lookouts. It was an operational lookout until the mid- to late 60s and then abandoned in the 1970s. Current structures on the site include a 53-foot tower support structure (the hipped roof L-4 cab having been removed in 2014), a 1930s gable roofed ground house used as a residence for lookouts when the site was operational, and a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed outhouse. Extensive restoration of the ground house for use as a recreation rental cabin began in 2012 and was completed in 2019.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Currently closed
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Picnic Table
Connectivity and Media
- Cell Reception
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
Cabin Interior
- Toilet Type
Views and Setting
- View
Missing information?
Spyglass Cabin
🏠
Cabin
- 4 guests
- Pet Friendly
Site Details
Up to 4 guests
Shade
Surface: Gravel
Driveway entry: N/A
Campfire
Pet Friendly
Reviews
11 reviews
Summary
Spyglass Ground House offers a beautiful location with stunning sunsets and a clean, well-stocked lookout, making it an enjoyable getaway. While the access road is rough and the gate lock poses challenges, the overall quiet atmosphere and unique features, like the picturesque outhouse and wildlife visits, enhance the experience. The efforts of the volunteers in restoring the house are commendable, though some improvements, such as gate security and cleanliness, could elevate the stay further.
Based on guest feedback
4.5
Overall rating
Based on 11 reviews
5 stars
54.5% (6)
4 stars
45.5% (5)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Location & Directions for Spyglass Ground House
Spyglass Lookout Ground House, Smelterville, ID 83868 United States
Elevation: 1,583 ft
Getting There
From I-90 take Exit #43 (Kingston) and drive 24 mi north on Forest Highway 9 (2-lane and paved) to Prichard Junction. Continue on Forest Road 208 for 28 mi to the end of the pavement and the start of Forest Road 6310 (a gravel road with large rock...
From I-90 take Exit #43 (Kingston) and drive 24 mi north on Forest Highway 9 (2-lane and paved) to Prichard Junction. Continue on Forest Road 208 for 28 mi to the end of the pavement and the start of Forest Road 6310 (a gravel road with large rocks and potholes). Travel 7 mi to Magee Ranger's Cabin historic site, then continue approx. 1/4/ mi. to the junction with Forest Road 422. Turn left on Road 422 for about 1/2 mi, then left on Road 265. Road 265 is a windy, single lane road with ruts and limited turnouts. Use caution and go slow. Continue past the Magee Airstrip and cross the bridge over Tepee Creek (Forest Road 422) and continue on Road 265 towards Spyglass Peak for 6 mi. At an unsigned intersection near the top of Spyglass Peak take a right turn and unlock service road gate with the combination that is emailed in your confirmation letter. This is the bottom of the access road to Spyglass Lookout Ground House. Drive past the gate ¼ mile until you come to the top of Spyglass Peak and the rental cabin. Travel time from Coeur d'Alene is approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes.
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Last updated: October 23, 2026
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Explore Smelterville, ID
Population: 668
Nearby city: Coeur d'Alene, ID
Approx. 29 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 2,224 ft
Smelterville, ID
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service