Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)
4.0414 reviews1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, 83544, USA
Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id)
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for the cabin is $45 during peak season (July 1 - October 4). Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Perched 50 feet above the forest floor, Bald Mountain Lookout invites you to sleep among the clouds in this converted 1956 fire tower. This unique mountaintop retreat captures the romance of a bygone era when forest guardians kept watch over endless wilderness. With accommodations for up to 4 guests, you'll wake to breathtaking 360-degree views that stretch from horizon to horizon, making every sunrise and sunset an unforgettable spectacle.
Bald Mountain Lookout provides a unique fire lookout experience, primarily featuring cabin accommodations. It does not support tent or group camping.
Historical SignificanceFor nearly three decades, from 1956 to 1984, vigilant fire spotters called this tower home during the summer months, scanning the horizon for telltale wisps of smoke. Today, this piece of living history stands as a testament to the brave men and women who protected these forests, offering modern adventurers a chance to experience their solitary world high above the treeline.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Bald Mountain into a sun-drenched paradise, with July through early October offering warm days and crystal-clear views that seem to go on forever. As autumn arrives, the mountain takes on a wilder character—October visitors might find themselves in a winter wonderland as early snows dust the peaks, creating magical scenes but requiring extra preparation for the journey up.
ElevationAt 5,334 feet above sea level, Bald Mountain Lookout places you in a realm where eagles soar at eye level and the air carries a crisp, pine-scented freshness. The elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, offering refreshing relief from summer heat below, though visitors should take time to acclimate to the thinner mountain air upon arrival.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your eagle's nest at 5,334 feet, witness nature's grand theater unfold in every direction. To the south, the golden waves of the Palouse prairie roll endlessly like a terrestrial ocean, while northward views reveal the charming community of St. Maries nestled in the valley below. The surrounding tapestry of emerald forests showcases nature's diversity with stately larch, aromatic red cedar, and majestic western white pine creating a living cathedral.
Geological RegionRising from the ancient Hoodoo Mountain Range, Bald Mountain stands sentinel over a verdant kingdom of old-growth forest. This geological wonderland nurtures a rich ecosystem where towering larch trees paint the hillsides gold each fall, while red cedar, western white pine, Douglas fir, hemlock, and Engelmann spruce create a multi-layered canopy that has sheltered wildlife for centuries.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThis campground is not mentioned to have explicit accessibility features for persons with disabilities. The lookout cabin requires climbing stairs to access, which may pose challenges.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to four people with limited space, suitable for small groups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to frequent visitors and nearby traffic. Reviews highlight that ATV and UTV visitors often come close to the lookout tower, with some camping or picnicking at its base.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring sleeping pads or cots as the provided futon can be uncomfortable. Prepare for rugged conditions and potential propane issues.
Best CampsitesThe single campsite is the lookout tower itself.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is up to 4 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 people.
Groups
No group sites are available for reservation.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe lookout tower consists of the cabin elevated 50 feet, surrounded by an exterior catwalk, with a vault toilet and picnic table at ground level.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from early July through early October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website and app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information on walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, plus loss of the first night's use fee if canceled within 14 days of check-in for cabins and lookouts.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, motorcycling, equestrian activities, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails provide varied recreation opportunities, while the lookout itself offers a vantage point for sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing.
Hiking
The Strychnine Ridge Trail 319 is accessible southwest of the lookout and stretches 4 miles, intersecting with Beason Meadows Trail 228. The Beason Meadows Trail extends 8.9 miles and leads to another campground. These trails accommodate hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists, and equestrians.Biking
Mountain biking is available on the trails near the lookout, including Strychnine Ridge Trail 319 and Beason Meadows Trail 228. The terrain supports varied recreational use.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife enthusiasts may spot eagles, bears, moose, elk, and deer. The area provides excellent opportunities for observing fauna in a natural setting.Winter Activities
No explicit winter activities are mentioned, although snow presence during late-season visits is noted in user reviews.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests are encouraged to obtain firewood locally to prevent tree-killing pests. Fire pits are available for cooking and heating.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, moose, elk, and deer. The rough access road demands caution, and the tower height poses risks for those afraid of heights.
Active alertsNo current alerts, but seasonal considerations include road conditions due to logging activities and slippery roads when wet.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 15%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Palouse District Office in Potlatch, ID, located off Highway 6, provides ranger services. No explicit mention of the nearest hospital or police station.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly 1 - October 4.
Trash and recyclingNo trash and recycling facilities are provided; guests are required to pack out all trash using garbage bags.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water features are mentioned nearby.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention issues like flies during early season, propane theft, heavy visitor traffic, and lack of privacy due to proximity of recreational visitors.
HostForest Service staff may occasionally visit the area.
Campground Map
1700 HIGHWAY 6, POTLATCH, ID, 83544, USA
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The access road is single lane and dirt surfaced, rarely graded, and can be slippery when wet. The last mile is rough and has many water bars, requiring slow travel. Trailers are not recommended due to rough spots on the road.Nearby places
Coeur d'Alene, ID (70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)
Lewiston, ID (45 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Potlatch, ID.
Camper Reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Id) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed. Many praise the stunning views, sturdy construction, and unique opportunity to stay at a fire lookout. However, complaints include issues with privacy, high visitor traffic, and malfunctioning propane appliances.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the incredible panoramic views, sturdy and secure lookout tower construction, and excellent sunrise and sunset observation. "The views from the top are breathtaking," noted...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues such as malfunctioning propane appliances, high visitor traffic disrupting solitude, and occasional disturbances from ATV and UTV riders. One reviewer stated, "There is an...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing extra bedding, sufficient food storage such as coolers, and sleeping pads due to uncomfortable furnishings. It is also advised to secure personal firewood and propane tanks...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Warm weather is favored, with August and September suggested for pleasant conditions. Early July experiences pest issues, and October visitors noted snow presence, affecting access roads.
Based on 14 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Stunning 360 degree views while you drink coffee and cook meals." - Daniel Thorson 2. "Unbelievable amount of traffic at this tower." - Mandy H 3. "Staying overnight in a lookout tower is a...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews pertain to the single lookout facility, which accommodates up to four guests. Site 001 experiences high visitor traffic due to its popularity as a day-use viewpoint.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are absent, but the lookout requires climbing stairs, which may be difficult for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 14 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are discouraged due to safety concerns at the elevated lookout structure.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025