Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge

Road up is definitely slow going! Glad we didn't have visitors as we took a couple kids and would have been pretty uncomfortable with 30+ people being rowdy below the lookout during our stay. Definitely seems in the norm to have people come up and be disrespectful unfortunately

Road up is definitely slow going! Glad we didn't have visitors as we took a couple kids and would have been pretty uncomfortable with 30+ people being rowdy below the lookout during our stay. Definitely seems in the norm to have people come up and be disrespectful unfortunately

Oh where to start with this lookout..

Out of 17 lookout rentals, this was the worst for visitors, and judging from the logbook, it would be rare never to have a few visitors. The first night, I had a couple with three dogs try camping below me. After speaking with them and explaining my concerns and unease with having them camp there, they agreed to move down the road and camp for the night. On the second day, I had over a group of 30+ people visit in one go! They climbed all over the lookout and became upset when I wouldn’t let them through the trap door. They continued to hang out under the lookout for a few hours, making food, drinking, yelling, and playing music (they did have multiple dogs between the group, and my dog was having a fit).

I should also mention that there is no gate or signage leading up to this lookout, warning visitors that the lookout is rented and that they must respect the occupant’s privacy. I did leave messages with the Libby and Troy Forest Service Office, so hopefully, they will make some improvements to the lookout to ensure the occupant’s privacy! From previous reviews, it seems I’m not the only one who has made these suggestions to them with zero action. If I were to go again, I’d bring a chain to put across the road ¾ - 1 mile before the lookout and padlock it. I know the Forest Service advises against this action. Still, as a single female renting a space in the remote mountains, I don’t want to constantly be looking over my shoulder worrying about a creepy stranger showing up at god knows what hour of the day or night.

Oh where to start with this lookout..

Out of 17 lookout rentals, this was the worst for visitors, and judging from the logbook, it would be rare never to have a few visitors. The first night, I had a couple with three dogs try camping below me. After speaking with them and explaining my concerns and unease with having them camp there, they agreed to move down the road and camp for the night. On the second day, I had over a group of 30+ people visit in one go! They climbed all over the lookout and became upset when I wouldn’t let them through the trap door. They continued to hang out under the lookout for a few hours, making food, drinking, yelling, and playing music (they did have multiple dogs between the group, and my dog was having a fit).

I should also mention that there is no gate or signage leading up to this lookout, warning visitors that the lookout is rented and that they must respect the occupant’s privacy. I did leave messages with the Libby and Troy Forest Service Office, so hopefully, they will make some improvements to the lookout to ensure the occupant’s privacy! From previous reviews, it seems I’m not the only one who has made these suggestions to them with zero action. If I were to go again, I’d bring a chain to put across the road ¾ - 1 mile before the lookout and padlock it. I know the Forest Service advises against this action. Still, as a single female renting a space in the remote mountains, I don’t want to constantly be looking over my shoulder worrying about a creepy stranger showing up at god knows what hour of the day or night.

Very nice lookout. The last three miles of road were pretty rough and slow going. Gas stove and heater were a nice amenity on cold mornings. There is a creek about 7 miles down from the lookout should you need a place to cool off from the hot weather. Cell service was pretty spotty which isn't a terrible thing. Only one car came up and two hikers. Got a little nervous because past log book notes from this year write about someone named "Turd" that would come up and camp out at the base of the lookout on two different occasions. We never saw the infamous "Turd" but probably would not be as accommodating as previous guests. All in all an awesome trip, good clean lookout, comfortable beds and a clean pit toilet. Thanks FFLA, NWMT-FFLA and USFS!

Very nice lookout. The last three miles of road were pretty rough and slow going. Gas stove and heater were a nice amenity on cold mornings. There is a creek about 7 miles down from the lookout should you need a place to cool off from the hot weather. Cell service was pretty spotty which isn't a terrible thing. Only one car came up and two hikers. Got a little nervous because past log book notes from this year write about someone named "Turd" that would come up and camp out at the base of the lookout on two different occasions. We never saw the infamous "Turd" but probably would not be as accommodating as previous guests. All in all an awesome trip, good clean lookout, comfortable beds and a clean pit toilet. Thanks FFLA, NWMT-FFLA and USFS!

The last three miles of the road is very rocky and slow. Needs major repair. The floor door through the decking is very heavy and cumbersome. The new stove is a plus. We have stayed here a dozen times and always appreciate the view, quiet and starry nights! Thank you to the rec crew who maintain these lookouts. Your hard work to keep these up is greatly appreciated.

The last three miles of the road is very rocky and slow. Needs major repair. The floor door through the decking is very heavy and cumbersome. The new stove is a plus. We have stayed here a dozen times and always appreciate the view, quiet and starry nights! Thank you to the rec crew who maintain these lookouts. Your hard work to keep these up is greatly appreciated.

My friend and I had an awesome experience at the lookout and thankfully got lucky with the weather. I'm happy, though, that I wasn't by myself at this particular lookout because I don't believe I could have pushed the door up on my own. I'm not a small woman and although getting up there in age, not very weak, yet, thank goodness. :-) I wasn't even able to shut the door on my own, either, because I was really afraid that I wasn't going to be able to get far enough down the steps, quickly enough, so that this extremely heavy door wouldn't have knocked me out. LOL
It would be nice if this part was mentioned in the description. I'd really hate for someone to go all the way up there, just to find out they aren't able to get in the lookout.
I'm a tired, happy camper this evening, and am hoping that my review might be helpful to someone down the road. :-)

My friend and I had an awesome experience at the lookout and thankfully got lucky with the weather. I'm happy, though, that I wasn't by myself at this particular lookout because I don't believe I could have pushed the door up on my own. I'm not a small woman and although getting up there in age, not very weak, yet, thank goodness. :-) I wasn't even able to shut the door on my own, either, because I was really afraid that I wasn't going to be able to get far enough down the steps, quickly enough, so that this extremely heavy door wouldn't have knocked me out. LOL
It would be nice if this part was mentioned in the description. I'd really hate for someone to go all the way up there, just to find out they aren't able to get in the lookout.
I'm a tired, happy camper this evening, and am hoping that my review might be helpful to someone down the road. :-)