Little Guard Lookout
The Little Guard Lookout location is in Smelterville, Idaho
83868. This page provides detailed contact information for this campground location including the campground phone number, office hours, reservation information and driving directions.
If you have any questions about the Little Guard Lookout facility, or if you need to reserve a campsite, then call the campground listed below.
Address
173 Commerce Dr. P.O. Box 159
Smelterville
Idaho
83868
Phone number
208-783-2363
Campground information Smelterville, Idaho
Overview
Little Guard Lookout, located about 9 miles north of Shoshone Camp, was one of the last remaining fire lookouts used in the Coeur d’Alene River area and has only just recently become inactive.
The structure standing today on Little Guard Peak is the third in a series of lookout buildings that originated back to 1919. In October 1990, Little Guard Lookout was accepted for listing in the National Historic Lookout Register and the first for Idaho.
Recreation
Hiking is a great way to explore and take in the scenery of the grand mountains. The lookout provides access to the Shoshone Ridge Trail #81, a very nice day hike for visitors to the lookout. The trail provides many scenic viewpoints, but there is no source of water along the way, so hikers must bring plenty of their own.
Facilities
The fully furnished two-story fire lookout has dimensions of 14 x 14 feet, an external cat walk, and a gabled roof. It sleeps four guests, with one single bed and three fold-up cots available. Quarters are tight and at least two cots will need to be set up downstairs in the kitchen area.
The kitchen is on the ground floor and is equipped with a small propane refrigerator, propane cook stove, table, chairs and basic cooking utensils. Propane for the stove and refrigerator is also provided.
The outdoor pit toilet is within 200 feet of the lookout. It comes with biodegradable toilet paper. Other amenities include a propane heater upstairs and propane lanterns, but renters will need to bring their own propane for these.
No water or electricity is available. Visitors should bring plenty of water. A mountain spring is within a half-mile by footpath, and can be boiled and treated for consumption.
In addition to water, guests should bring food, propane for lanterns and heater, matches or lighters, warm clothing, garbage bags, insect repellent, towels and washcloths, toiletries, dish soap and a first aid kit. Air mattresses or sleeping pads are also recommended.
Natural Features
At an elevation of 6,031 feet, the lookout boasts spectacular views overlooking the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River and the Bitterroot Mountains, with views of nearby Downey Peak to the northwest.
Wildlife in the area includes mule deer, moose, osprey and calliope hummingbirds.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (208) 664-2318.
Frequently Asked Questions About 173 Commerce Dr. P.O. Box 159 Smelterville, ID
How do I make a reservation with Little Guard Lookout?
To make reservations at Little Guard Lookout, you can call the office at 208-783-2363.
Where is Little Guard Lookout located?
The Little Guard Lookout is located at 173 Commerce Dr. P.O. Box 159 in Smelterville,
. This is the location you will need to go to for camping and information.
Does Little Guard Lookout have tent or RV camping?
Little Guard Lookout offers both tent and RV camping, but to confirm you will need to call the office at 208-783-2363 to make sure things haven’t changed.