About Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID)
Overview Bald Mountain Lookout offers the opportunity to enjoy unforgettable views and participate in a variety of recreational opportunities. It was built in 1956 and was used as a fire lookout until 1984. Guests can drive to the lookout in vehicles with good ground clearance, but trailers are not recommended due to some rough spots on the road. The lookout is typically open from early July through early October. The accommodations are mostly primitive, but some conveniences are provided. Guests will need to bring some of their own supplies and gear for a comfortable experience.Recreation Access to Strychnine Ridge Trail 319 is just southwest of the lookout. This 4-mile trail intersects with Beason Meadows Trail 228 a half-mile below the lookout. The Beason Meadows Trail is 8.9 miles long and leads down to Giant White Pine Campground. These trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, motorcyclists and equestrians. Click here for an Idaho OHV safety message.Facilities This lookout sits 50 feet off the ground. A stairway leads to an exterior catwalk that surrounds the cabin, which can accommodate four people. A table and four chairs, a futon that folds into a twin bed with foam pad and two cots are provided. Propane appliances include a cooking stove and heater. Cookware, dishes and utensils are provided. A pit toilet is located just below the lookout. Water and electricity are not offered at the cabin. Guests need to bring their own drinking water and lighting/ Flashlights. Garbage bags are also needed to pack out trash. Bedding and additional mattresses are not provided. The refrigerator has been removed, guests may want to consider bringing a cooler with extra ice for perishable items.Natural Features Bald Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Hoodoo Mountain Range, and it's heavily forested with a mix of larch, red cedar, hemlock, western white pine, Douglas fir and Engelmann spruce. The lookout offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding mountains from its
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID)
Heading to Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID)?
No central reservation system listed for Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234507) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID)?
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 37…
How do I contact Bald Mountain Lookout (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, ID)?
You can reach the park at phone: 208-875-1131.
References & Official Resources
