Hike-In | Abandoned |
Elevation: 6727′ | Kanisku National Forest |
History
Lookout Mountain was at first a patrol point in 1921 – Elmer Berg had the honor of first lookout.
In 1929 a cupola cabin was built. Yak Yacorozynski was the first lookout to live/work the cabin.
Hank Deiner staffed the mountain in 1931
The Blakes (a newlywed couple) staffed the mountain from 1932
Ernie Grambo staffed the mountain 1933 & 1934
Don Peterson staffed the mountain from 1935 to 19XX
In 1939 a 50′ Pole L-4 tower was built
Jackson Miller staffed the mountain in 1943
Lookout Mountain was unmanned for 30 Years
In 1977 25′ Steel Tower w/ 15×15 Wooden cabin was built
Pam Aunon staffed the mountain from the mid 1990s til it was removed for restoration in 2019
The cab atop the 1977 steel tower was dismantled in 2019
The 1929 Cupola cabin was restored by Ray Kresek and others in 1980s and still stands today.
The L-4 cab is set to be replaced in 2025/26.
OUR NOTES
Lookout Mountain holds a very special place in our hearts! As of 2024 there is plan set to begin restoration and rebuilding – with estimations to have it completed by 2026 by the Priest Lake Dept of Lands with aid from numerous volunteers.
Directions
Travel to Priest River via Highway 2 that runs between Sandpoint, Idaho, and Newport, Washington. At the light in Priest River, turn north onto state highway 57. After about 22.5 miles turn right onto the Dickensheet – East Shore Road for Coolin (well signed). Continue through Coolin along the east side of Priest Lake until you reach Lionshead Campground, about 19 miles.
WARNING The last 6 miles of road to the trail head are rough. A vehicle with good clearance is recommended and depending on conditions, 4WD would help.
Continue on the East Shore road another 4.5 miles (1/2 mile after milepsot 23) and turn right onto road ID State Forest Rd #44. After 2.4 miles, turn right onto road #43, which turns sharply left and becomes #432 in about ½ mile. Continue on #432 (total 3.2 miles from #44). There will be a gate (open) and a wide area with ample parking. A single piece of ribbon on the east road bank marks the beginning of the trail to Lookout Lake.
Continue to the dead end. The trail coming from Lookout Lake intersects here and continues on up to Lookout Mountain summit. It is a 2.4 mile hike up to the summit.
[…] Lookout Mountain. All to myself, all day long. It was a hard ass hike, obviously incredible. It was a much-needed time to remind myself that I am not only here to conquer trails, I am here to conquer myself, and the world. […]