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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.
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.
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.
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.](http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ipnf/maps-pubs/?cid=fsm9_019033)
The nearest town for groceries is Bonners Ferry, about 24 miles from the lookout.
Take Highway 95/2 north from the Bonners Ferry Ranger Station for 5 miles. Turn right onto Highway 2 and head east for 2 miles. Turn left onto Meadow Creek Road and head north and east for 10 miles to the bridge over the Moyie River. Turn right onto Road 2541 (Placer Creek Road) and go east 1.5 miles. Next, drive north on Road 2540 for 6 miles until the road ends at Deer Ridge Lookout.
The roads a little rough the last couple of miles at the top needs to be grated its worth it tho its nice up there
Nothing going on in northern Idaho BUT, the tower is incredible. Bring water. No running water. DO NOT leave any food or food waste out at night. Great way to get bears to be too close for comfort. They are around but, are generally at a distance if you don't give them a reason to come close.
Well appointed, safe, clean, sturdy and incredible mountain top views. Cell service is available there but make sure you are connected to the right countries tower or you may incur international roaming and not realize it. This was one of the best fire towers we have ever stayed in. There is electricity and heat inside the tower but no running water. The only thing is it can get pretty warm inside during the summer and the out house can get a little aromatic,,,, . There are a lot of unimproved roads and trails to keep you busy exploring as well.
Loved this place, beautiful views and the tower room was in pretty good condition. The beds were surprisingly comfy. Beware, the stairs are steep and narrow, and the rope and pulley system for lifting gear is broken, so you’ll have to haul your gear upstairs (not a big deal, just don’t overpack). The road seems to be well maintained; however, about an hour before we arrived there was an intense thunderstorm in the general area and a tree was down across the last stretch of the road, maybe 500 or 600 or so feet down from where you are supposed to park at the base of the tower. Oh well. We just packed our stuff the rest of the way up the road. Side note, we had great cell reception once atop the tower. We use StraightTalk, which uses Verizon towers. We hope to return sometime.
