Mt. Baldy-buckhorn Ridge

I had a full experience at this lookout during the passing of a cold front that brought high winds and snow. I was surprised how much the tower could sway! The last 3 mi before the lookout are a bit of a rock crawl but I found the directions to be great on the website and the signs marked the roads well. Unfortunately I couldn't get the heater or stove to work so it was a very chilly night (got to 35⁰) but a midnight break in the storm to see the aurora was pretty amazing. As a single person I did struggle with the trap door when I arrived and was unable to lower it while standing on the icy stairs the next morning. Sorry! The views before the storm were unbelievable and this was truly an experience I will remember forever. Thanks for the opportunity!

I had a full experience at this lookout during the passing of a cold front that brought high winds and snow. I was surprised how much the tower could sway! The last 3 mi before the lookout are a bit of a rock crawl but I found the directions to be great on the website and the signs marked the roads well. Unfortunately I couldn't get the heater or stove to work so it was a very chilly night (got to 35⁰) but a midnight break in the storm to see the aurora was pretty amazing. As a single person I did struggle with the trap door when I arrived and was unable to lower it while standing on the icy stairs the next morning. Sorry! The views before the storm were unbelievable and this was truly an experience I will remember forever. Thanks for the opportunity!

Great lookout!

Great lookout!

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 mi 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 mi 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 mi 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 mi 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!