Lookout Mountain

Hike-In	Abandoned
Elevation: 6727′	Kaniksu National Forest

History

Lookout Mountain was at first a patrol point in 1921 – Elmer Berg had the honor of first lookout.

1929 – Cupola cabin was built.
1939 – 50′ Pole L-4 tower was built
Lookout Mountain was unmanned for 30 Years
1977 – 25′ Steel Tower w/ 15×15 Wooden cabin was built. The base was the bottom 25′ from Packsaddle Mountain.
1980s – Cupola cabin was restored by THE Ray Kresek and others and still stands today.
2019 – The 1977 steel tower was dismantled

The L-4 cab is set to be replaced in 2025/26.

Known Staff

1921 – Elmer Berg had the honor of first lookout.
1929 – Yak Yacorozynski was the first lookout to live/work the cabin.
1930 – Rex Stuart
1930 & 1931 – Hank Deiner (*Fire Lookout Museum)
1932 – The Blakes (a newlywed couple)
1933 & 1934 – Ernie Grambo (*Fire Lookout Museum)
1935 – 19XX Don Peterson
1942 – Bryon Stratton & Lee White (*Fire Lookout Museum)
1943 – Jackson Miller
1947 – Phil McVay (*Fire Lookouts of the Northwest)
1990s – 2019 – Pam Aunon

The first two photos below are from Peter Jennings World News Team visit to Lookout Mountain in 1992 with Pam Aunon. Following photos are the tower today.

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.