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Bald Mountain Lookout
Constructed in 1964 on one of the highest peaks in the Hoodoo Mountain Range and used as a Forest Service fire lookout until 1984, the Bald Mountain Lookout allows its visitors to enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets, views of the honey-colored rolling hills of the Palouse, star gaze and see wildlife such as bald eagles, moose, elk and even bear. Rising 50’ from the ground, at 5,334’ above sea level, this rustic getaway can be reached by high clearance vehicles (no trailers), and comes equipped with heat, a cook stove and sleeps up to four guests comfortably.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | 2023 season: July 1-October 8, 2023. Open seasonally by reservation only. Reservations are accepted on www.Recreation.gov and typically fill several months in advance. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Season of Operations: 07/01/2024-10/05/2024 |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made by visiting Bald Mountain on Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777. |
| Fees: | A nightly fee of $45.00 is charged. |
| Open Season: | July 1 - Oct. 8, 2023 |
| Restrictions: | Children are discouraged from staying in the lookout due to the inherent dangers of such a structure. |
| Closest Towns: | Potlatch, ID |
| Water: | No drinking water provided |
| Restroom: | 1 pit toilet |
| Operated By: | US Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Palouse Ranger District, 208-875-1131 |
General Information
Directions:Care of Recreation.gov:
From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, drive 70 miles south on U.S. Highway 95 to State Highway 6. Turn left on State Highway 6, White Pine Scenic Byway, travel through Potlatch and continue on for 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 377, Palouse Divide Road. This is a single lane, dirt surface road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. Follow FR 377 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with FR 377A. Turn on FR 377A and climb for 1 mile to Bald Mountain Lookout. This last mile of road is rough and has many water bars, so travel is slow.
From Lewiston, Idaho, follow U.S. Highway 95 north for approximately 45 miles to State Highway 6. Turn right on State Highway 6, White Pine Scenic Byway, travel through Potlatch and continue on for 22 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 377, the Palouse Divide Road. This is a single lane, dirt surface road that is rarely graded and slippery when wet. Follow FR 377 for approximately 8 miles to the junction with FR 377A. Turn on FR 377A and climb for 1 mile to Bald Mountain Lookout. This last mile of road is rough and has many water bars, so travel is slow.
The Palouse District office is located in Potlatch before entering town from the west and is located off Highway 6 on the left side of the road. There is a sign located at the base of the driveway along Highway 6.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Trail 319- the Strychnine Ridge Trail; 4miles; approx. 2 hours; trail intersects with trail 228 (Beason Meadows Trail, 8.9 miles long) a half-mile below lookout which goes to Giant White Pine Campground. Both trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists and equestrians.
Cabin Rentals
Vist recreation.gov for details on how you can reserve this historic structure for your own outdoor adventure.
Day Hiking
Trail 319- the Strychnine Ridge Trail; 4miles; approx. 2 hours; trail intersects with trail 228 (Beason Meadows Trail, 8.9 miles long) a half-mile below lookout which goes to Giant White Pine Campground. Both trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists and equestrians.
Horse Riding
Trail 319- the Strychnine Ridge Trail; 4miles; approx. 2 hours; trail intersects with trail 228 (Beason Meadows Trail, 8.9 miles long) a half-mile below lookout which goes to Giant White Pine Campground. Both trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists and equestrians.
Viewing Wildlife
Bears, deer, elk and moose are just a few commonly seen wildlife species in the area.
Viewing Plants
Berry picking is a popular pastime in this area when the season is right.
Viewing Scenery
The lookout is situated atop one of the highest peaks in the Hoodoo Mountain Range, giving its visitors a birds eye view of the amazing scenery in the area.
OHV Trail Riding
Trail 319- the Strychnine Ridge Trail; 4miles; approx. 2 hours; trail intersects with trail 228 (Beason Meadows Trail, 8.9 miles long) a half-mile below lookout which goes to Giant White Pine Campground. Both trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists and equestrians.
Scenic Driving
The lookout is located right off the 80 mile White Pine Scenic Byway (Highway 6), which takes travelers through richly forested land, historic towns and the scenic rolling hills of the Palouse.