Scurvy Mountain Lookout

About this campsite

Overview

The popular lookout is perched on Scurvy peak at the end of trail #524 overlooking the Moose buttes, Cayuse and Kelly Cr drainages and Scurvy Lake. The first lookout was a platform built in 1917 with a cabin added in 1935. The present cab was built in 1952 that was gradually restored by volunteers over a 10-year span and became an inclusion to the National Register of Historic lookouts in 2004. The trailhead to the cabin is not assessable with low clearance vehicles, and the 4 plus miles of trail from the trailhead to the cabin is a moderately difficult, multi-use trail with several steep grades. Guests must bring their own supplies and gear for a comfortable stay as there are no linens, cleaning supplies, or toiletries provided. Although assessable by OHV's less than 50" in width, the roads and trails leading to the cabin can be partially or fully blocked by debris or snowpack in the early season. Off trail/road motorized travel is strictly prohibited. Visitors are strongly advised to consult the forest website, as well as a map prior to reserving or traveling to the cabin and to call the district information desk with any questions.

Recreation

Due to its location, the lookout is an ideal base camp for those looking to reconnect with nature, or as a stopover for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts as they explore the district. The remote location combined with the open skyline and a 360-degree view is perfect for those who enjoy stargazing. There are also several other trails in the vicinity that offer connection to a host of recreation opportunities including berry picking, hiking, biking, sightseeing, and birding being the most popular. Recreate responsibly, be sure to check the regulations and rules to educate yourself before you recreate by visiting https://idfg.idaho.gov/ and https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/nezperceclearwater/news-events for up-to-date information.

Facilities

The restored lookout is comprised of a 12’ x 12’ wooden “cab” surrounded by a catwalk on a 8’ high cinderblock structure. One bed, a small table with a couple chairs, two countertops that contain cabinets, a small modern wood stove, and a pit toilet outhouse are the only amenities provided. The closest water source is a small spring approximately 1/2 mile from the lookout on trail 524 (about 100 yards towards the lookout from the 524/531 trail junction 25 yards off trail 524 on the downhill side) that requires treatment before consumption.

Guests are required to pick up after their pets/stock, pack out their trash, and clean the cabin before they check-out with the provided broom under the “Leave it Cleaner than when you arrived” and the “Pack it in Pack it out” policies so everyone may enjoy their stay.

Natural Features

The low profile 10’ high lookout cab is positioned in a clearing on top of Scurvy mountain’s 6600’ peak. The vantage point provides guests with a panoramic view of the surrounding area that include the Cayuse Cr and Weitas Cr drainages to the South, Cook Mountain in the west, a broadside of the Moose Cr Buttes to the north, the Bitterroot Mountains, and Scurvy Lake to the east. The area boasts a wide diversity of wildlife and birds, so visitors never know what to expect while enjoying the scenery, but mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, elk, Mountain Bluebird, Mountain Jay, Raven, and Tanager are the most common. The unhindered view of the sunsets and rises on the horizon can be quite spectacular, as is the stargazing on a clear evening or the extraordinary fall colors back dropped with mountains capped by advancing snow late in the season are sites to behold.

Nearby Attractions

The North Fork Ranger District prides itself on the diversity of world class recreational opportunities ranging from bird/wildlife watching, big game hunting, whitewater rafting, leisurely floats, secluded backpacking/equestrian trails into the high mountain backcount

Location

Scurvy Mountain Lookout•ID

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Common questions about Scurvy Mountain Lookout

Is Scurvy Mountain Lookout free to camp at?

Yes. Scurvy Mountain Lookout in ID is a free camp, so there is no nightly fee to stay. There is no booking system for it, so plan on first in, best dressed, especially on long weekends. We hold no facilities list for it, so go in self sufficient with your own water and a way to deal with rubbish.

Can you book Scurvy Mountain Lookout online?

We hold no online booking link for Scurvy Mountain Lookout, 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 Scurvy Mountain Lookout?

Scurvy Mountain Lookout sits in ID. 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

9.7 km away

Kelly Forks Campground

Tucked away in a heavily wooded, streamside location at the confluence of Kelly Creek and the North Fork of the Clearwater River in Northwest Idaho, is Kelly Forks Campground. With 14 campground sites, a group area, campground host and a hiking trail going directly up to Flat Mountain from the site, horseback riding trails in the vicinity, swimming and an abundant watchable wildlife, Kelly Forks has a little of everything. Also, for the all the anglers out there, Kelly Forks boasts a Blue Ribbon cutthroat trout stream (catch and release).

10.0 km away

KELLY FORKS CABIN

Overview Kelly Forks cabin is located in a small clearing within an active forest service work center. It was originally built at the confluence of Moose and Kelly Creeks during the mid-1930’s to be used as a stopover between the upper North Fork and the Bungalow Ranger stations. It was then dismantled, floated down Kelly Creek, and reassembled at its current location during the mid-1900s. Fully remodeled around 2002 with modern comforts, the cabin maintains a high demand throughout the rental season. Although accessible by car, the gravel roads on the district can be quite rough and partially blocked with debris. Visitors are strongly advised to consult a map as well as the forest website prior to reserving or traveling to the cabin. There is a maximum consecutive stay of 6 nights per user and a maximum total stay of 6 nights per year per user. Users may only hold two reservations for this cabin at any one time. Failure to abide by these rules may result in cancelled reservations without refund of reservation or cancellation fees. Recreation There are several fishing “holes” and hiking trails located within easy walking distance of the cabin with many more a short drive in any direction. The North Fork Ranger District prides itself on the diversity of world class recreational opportunities ranging from bird/wildlife watching, big game hunting, whitewater rafting, leisurely floats, secluded backpacking/equestrian trails into the high mountain backcountry, to motorized OHV trail systems providing unique experiences that draw visitors from around the world and all walks of life. Be sure to check the regulations and rules to educate yourself before you recreate by visiting https://idfg.idaho.gov/ and https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/nezperceclearwater/news-events for up to date information. Facilities The 3-room cabin can accommodate up to six people and is furnished with electricity, lights, running water, “on demand” propane hot water, and individual electric radiant heaters for each room. The bedroom contains 1 twin and 1 full size mattress and a dresser w/mirror. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a shower stall, flush toilet, sink and mirror. The kitchen is equipped with an electric range w/oven, microwave, refrigerator/ freezer, sink, drip coffee pot, toaster and an odd assortment of pots, pans, plates, bowls, utensils, cups, and glasses. The vaulted living area provides 2 full sized futons, and dining table with 4 chairs. The cabin also has a large covered porch with camp chairs and a picnic area that has a table and fire ring (guests provide their own firewood). The cabin can be reserved for a single night or up to 6 consecutive nights by the same individual or group. Guests are required to bring their own bedding, pick up after their pets, and clean the cabin before they check out with the provided cleaning supplies under the “leave it cleaner than when you arrived” policy. Natural Features The cabin is situated in a small semi secluded clearing surrounded by evergreens, cottonwood, and alder mixed with huckleberries at the confluence of Kelly Creek and the North Fork of the Clearwater River. The area is known worldwide as a blue-ribbon fishery for West Slope Cutthroat Trout, and the beautiful crystal-clear waters are just a stone's throw from the cabin. A wide variety of wildlife including elk, white-tailed and mule deer, black bear, wolf, cougar, bobcat, mountain goat, moose, eagle, otter, marten, fisher, osprey, raven, king fisher, dippers and many more call the steep, densely vegetated river valleys home. Seasonal changes can be particularly enjoyable from the swift moving whitewater in the spring to the extraordinary fall colors pursued by the crisp white snow line. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (208) 476-4541.

16.2 km away

Hidden Creek Campground

Tucked away in groves of old growth cedar trees and adjacent to the stunning North Fork of the Clearwater River in northwest Idaho, rests a hidden gem: Hidden Creek Campground. With 13 sites, one group tent camping pad, many fishing opportunities and nearby hiking trails, Hidden Creek Campground has proved to be a favorite for many visitors looking to camp out in a place that truely feels encased in nature and her many delights.

16.9 km away

Cold Springs Peak Cabin - Clearwater NF (ID)

Overview As a qualifying inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places, the primitive 12'x14' log cabin was originally constructed to shelter firefighters and other work crews in 1931. Although Forest Service personnel and volunteers shored up the cabin’s foundation, re-shingled the roof and installed a wood heating stove, guests must bring their own supplies and gear for a comfortable stay as there are no linens, cleaning supplies, or toiletries provided. The popular cabin is perched on a ridge line just off Pot Mountain trail #169 overlooking the Elizabeth Creek drainage and Ice Lake. The trailhead to the cabin is not assessable with low clearance vehicles, and the 2 plus miles of trail from the trailhead to the cabin is a moderately difficult, multi-use trail with several steep grades. Although assessable by OHV's less than 50" in width, the roads and trails leading to the cabin can be partially or fully blocked by debris or snowpack in the early season. Off trail/road motorized travel is strictly prohibited. Visitors are strongly advised to consult the forest website, as well as a map prior to reserving or traveling to the cabin and to call the district information desk with any questions. Recreation Due to the unique location, the cabin is an ideal base camp for those looking to reconnect with nature, or as a stopover for a variety of outdoor enthusiasts as they explore the district. Multiple mountain lakes in the vicinity provides a welcome challenge for the avid adventurer looking to find the many secluded fishing holes. There are also several other trails in the vicinity that offer connection to a host of recreation opportunities including; berry picking, hiking, biking, sightseeing, and birding being the most popular. Recreate responsibly, be sure to check the regulations and rules to educate yourself before you recreate by visiting https://idfg.idaho.gov/ and https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/nezperceclearwater/news-events for up to date information. Facilities The cabin is a 1930’s primitive structure only providing a shelter from the elements. Two spring beds, a small table with a couple chairs, a modern wood stove, and a pit toilet outhouse are the only amenities provided. There is only one stream as a reasonable water source approximately 1 mile from the cabin on trail #169 that requires treatment before consumption. Guests are required to pick up after their pets/stock, pack out their trash, and clean the cabin before they check-out with the provided broom under the “Leave it Cleaner than when you arrived” and the “Pack it in Pack it out” policies so everyone may enjoy their stay. Natural Features The cabin is tucked into a narrow, rocky saddle, atop steep, nearly vertical cliffs directly adjacent to Cold Springs Peak. At almost 6,731 feet, guests enjoy open views of the Bitterroot Mountains to the east as well as a bird’s eye view of the Elizabeth Creek drainage, Ice Lake, and a small meadow directly below the cabin. The area boasts a wide diversity of wildlife and birds, so visitors never know what to expect while enjoying the scenery, but mule deer, mountain lion, black bear, elk, Mountain Bluebird, Mountain Jay, Raven, and Tanager are the most common. Seasonal changes can be particularly enjoyable as the storms blow through the saddle, or the extraordinary fall colors back dropped with mountains capped by advancing snow late in the season. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (208) 476-4541. Nearby Attractions The North Fork ranger district prides itself on the diversity of world class recreational opportunities ranging from bird/wildlife watching, big game hunting, whitewater rafting, leisurely floats, secluded backpacking/equestrian trails into the high mountain backcountry, to motorized OHV trail systems providing unique experiences that draw visitors from around the world and all walks of lif

17.8 km away

Noe Creek Campground

This six unit campground has an almost park-like aesthetic and is nestled in groves of fir and larch with views of the North Fork River. Whether coming for the day to fish or to stay for a couple nights with your family, Noe Creek Campground is a nice choice if you're looking for a quiet and peaceful spot to get away.