Snow Peak Lookout

Hike-In	Emergency Status
Elevation: 6760′	St Joe National Forest

HISTORY

1929: Cupola cabin built

1963: 10′ R-6 Concrete flat cab built

Current: St Joe National Forest is currently rehabbing the tower for future rental program use.

OUR NOTES

We made the hike out to Snow Peak Lookout in August of 2024. We knew by looking at the trails elevation profile that it would mean a lot of uphills and downhills for a total of about 9 miles round trip.

We made the trek out with our good friends Mike Chaffee and Joel Riner. We had all wanted to make the hike out to Snow Peak but just had never quite made it fit into our schedules. Billy and I were twice turned around in the past from making this hike – once by a wildfire and once by a storm. So this was our day!

The hike turned out to be just as we’d thought – a lot of uphill and a lot of downhill. Just when you think you’ve finished hiking uphill – nope, sorry to disappoint you, here’s more. Haha! But holy wow is the end result worth it! Coming over that final pitch to see the lookout and the gorgeous view of the forest in all directions – we literally all said, “WOW!” out loud.

Snow Peak Lookout itself is currently all locked up and being used by Idaho Fish & Game to monitor the local mountain goat herd as well as to house communications equipment. The overall structure looked heavily weathered and in need of some TLC – the local FS was just there a few weeks ago assessing what repairs are needed. I’m guessing the catwalk will be first as its very dangerous on the west side of the building.

The St Joe National Forest is currently rehabbing Snow Peak for future use on the Rental Program.

No goats were spotted during our visit – we’re guessing because of my goat-curse. I’ve also visited Scotchmans Peak without a goat in sight and Oatman Arizona without a burro as far as the eye could see. Its a talent.