Mt. Baldy-Buckhorn Ridge

MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE in MT — photo 4

About this campsite

Overview

The Mount Baldy - Buckhorn Ridge Lookout sits at an elevation of 6,529 feet in the Kootenai National Forest. This location has been used as an observation point for detecting forest fires since 1910. The current lookout tower was built in 1957.

The lookout is typically available from late June through late September, and is accessible by car, though high clearance vehicles are recommended for the primitive roads. Some creature comforts are provided, but guests should be prepared to pack in many of their own amenities.

Recreation

Aside from exploring Mount Baldy, hikers can find a network of trails in the surrounding Yaak Area. The Northwest Peaks Scenic Area, located in the northwest corner of the Yaak Area, offers a variety of hiking trails in beautiful settings.

Hunting is also possible nearby. Wild berries grow in the area, inviting berry pickers.

Facilities

This 144 square foot lookout cabin sits atop a 26-foot tower and is encircled by a catwalk. It can accommodate 4 people and comes equipped with 2 twin beds and 4 mattresses, a table, 2 chairs, broom and dustpan. Propane appliances are provided that include a cook stove, heater and lights. An outhouse with vault toilet islocated nearby.

The lookout does not have electricity or water. Guests must provide their own water for drinking, cooking and washing.

Items such as cooking gear, bedding, lanterns or flashlights, matches, extra toilet paper, first aid supplies, trash bags, dish soap, and towels are not available.
Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

The lookout offers views of the Kaniksu National Forest in Idaho, the Cabinet Mountain Range and Rock Candy Mountain. The panorama features endless mountain peaks and evergreen forest. Guests have an ideal location for watching sunrises and sunsets, or for gazing out over the starry night skies.

Kootenai National Forest supports populations of deer, elk, moose, grizzly and black bears, wolves and mountain lions (bear safety). A variety of smaller mammals and birds can also be found.

Nearby Attractions

Yaak Falls is a popular destination just a short drive from the lookout off Yaak Highway 508. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, when the snowmelt finds its way over the falls.

Location

MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE•MT

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Common questions about MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE

Can you book MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE online?

We hold no online booking link for MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE?

MT. BALDY-BUCKHORN RIDGE sits in MT. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

8.4 km away

Whitetail Campground

The Whitetail Campground is located north of Troy on Yaak Hwy 508. The campground has 12 sites, including one host site, with tables and fire rings. Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel. Amenities include potable water, vault toilets, and an undeveloped access for small packable boats to the Yaak River.

8.4 km away

Red Top Campground

Red Top Campground is located northwest of Troy on Highway 508. The campground has 3 sites with tables and fire rings. Amenties include a vault toilet.

8.5 km away

WHITETAIL YURT

Overview The Whitetail Yurt is nestled among the pine trees along the Yaak River within Whitetail Campground. Enjoy the comforts of a domed tent with a locking door, windows and wooden floor in this 16' yurt. Recreation Opportunities abound from this location. Hiking, fishing, floating, hunting, scenic and historical driving tours are just some of the activities to be enjoyed. Facilities This rustic yurt sleeps three with floor room for a couple more. The provided bunk bed with mattresses has a twin as the top bunk and a full-size bed as the bottom bunk. There is also a table and four chairs. A vault toilet, firewood and potable water are available within the campground. Guests must bring cooking, cleaning and sleeping supplies. There is no heat source supplied. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and clean the yurt before leaving. Natural Features The yurt is situated adjacent to the Yaak River at an elevation of 2,918 feet within the Salish Mountain Range of the Rocky Mountains in the Kootenai National Forest. Yaak River and its many tributaries provide habitat for a variety of trout and big game animals. The Yaak Valley has been an important route through history as a trail for the Kootenai Indians, early prospectors and loggers. Nearby Attractions The town of Yaak is located approximately 5.3 miles northeast where you can grab a bite to eat or attend a community event.

11.9 km away

Pete Creek Campground

The Pete Creek Campground is located northwest of Troy on Yaak Hwy 508. The campground has 13 sites, including one host site, with tables and fire rings. Campground roads and parking spurs are gravel. Amentities include potable water, vault toilets and access to the Yaak River.

12.7 km away

DEER RIDGE LOOKOUT

Overview Deer Ridge Lookout, perched on a 40 foot timber frame, boasts excellent views of the Purcell mountain ranges of Northern Idaho, Canada and Montana. Located 24 miles northeast of Bonners Ferry, guests can enjoy magnificent scenery, hiking and wildlife watching. The lookout can be accessed by car and the gravel road to the lookout is well maintained. Recreation Hiking and viewing the scenery are two well-loved activities at the facility. Hiking trails from the lookout follow along the Deer Ridge and Ruby Ridge. Huckleberry picking is enjoyed from August to September. Fly fishing is available in the Moyie River, where anglers can cast for rainbow and brook trout. Make sure to check all regulations and secure all permits with the local Fish and Wildlife department before heading out. Facilities The 14' X 14' cabin has a wraparound catwalk, with a trap door that lifts for access to the tower's entrance staircase. The staircase is steep and is not recommended for small children. Furnishings include two twin beds, two chairs, a dresser and a table. A pit toilet is located 50 yards away. No water is available. Guests should bring plenty of water for drinking, cooking and washing. Cooking is not permitted in the lookout. All cooking should be done outside and at ground level. Guests should bring a tarp to block the rain. Other items to bring include bedding, a first aid kit, towels and flashlights. Natural Features The Lower Kootenai River Area (Bonners Ferry District) is bordered by the Purcell and Cabinet Ranges and the Montana Line on the east, the rugged Selkirk Range on the west, and the Canadian border to the north. The Kootenai River meanders north and west through the District, and the Moyie River joins it from the north. Peaks are moderate in elevation (6000 - 7000 ft.) but are rugged due to heavy glaciation. They are renowned for their mountaineering challenge. The lookout is perched atop Deer Ridge at an elevation of 4,755 feet. The view from the facility includes the rugged Purcell mountain peaks and the beautiful Moyie River Valley and Moyie Springs. Elk, deer and black bears are among the wildlife in the area. Please be aware of and practice bear safety. Nearby Attractions The nearest town for groceries is Bonners Ferry, about 24 miles from the lookout.