| Lookout Mountain Mountain/Rock |
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| Lookout Mountain   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Idaho, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 44.19270°N / 114.7587°W County: Custer Activities: Hiking Season: Summer, Fall Elevation: 9954 ft / 3034 m | Page By: Scrambling Man Created/Edited: Feb 16, 2006 / Feb 22, 2006 Object ID: 173086 Hits: 1173 Loading... Page Score: 28.45% - 11 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewAlthough often overlooked by its larger, more enticing neighbors, Lookout Mountain is a scenic hike located in the northeast corner of the White Cloud Mountains. It is a great introduction to the area. The 4.5-mile trail to the top is strenuous, but pleasurable. Because the summit is 4 miles from the main cluster of White Cloud peaks, it provides for a grand view. Once on top, open up the windows on the Lookout (its open to the public) and enjoy the ammenities, like the outhouse with a mountain view.
This peak is a great day hike, but can also be an overnighter. Leave the tent at home and stay in the lookout for the night. Enjoy the sunset over the Sawtooth mountains and sunrise over the White Clouds. The Lookout is first-come first-serve, but most people only dayhike this trail so you should have the views all to yourself. The Lookout is maintained by volunteers, so please sign the logbook and leave it nicer than you found it.
When you return down from the mountain, head to the local hot springs for a relaxing soak. Follow that up with a refreshing beverage and a hard earned meal in the mountain town of Stanley, "The Gateway to the Sawtooths." Getting ThereFrom Stanley drive 9 miles (towards Challis) east on Highway 75. Turn right (south) on Rough Creek Rd (you will take a bridge over the Salmon River). Follow this steep dirt road to its end at 4 miles, where you will find the trailhead. Passenger cars can make it.
RouteTake Rough Creek trail FST-647. The trail meanders along the creek through a nice pine forest. At about 1.25 miles the trail crosses a tributary creek and then switchbacks uphill. The trail flattens out at a clearing. Just past the clearing is a fork in the trail. Follow the sign to Lookout Mountain (take a left). The trail switchbacks up to a ridge where there is another trail intersection. Go left again. Follow the trail along the ridge towards the peak. The trail dips a bit before heading up a number of long switchbacks to the summit.
Trip Stats:
Roundtrip: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2500 feet
Time: 4-8 hours
When to climb: June-October (road not plowed in winter)
Note: This is a multi-use trail, so you will occasionally encounter horses, mountain bikers, and the dreaded dirt bike. Don't let this discourage you, the hike is well worth it.
Red TapeNo permits or fees. Just sign in at the trailhead.CampingThere are a few primitive campsites at the trailhead. Otherwise, there is plenty of camping in the Stanley area. External LinksWeather
Local Hot Springs
Boulder White Cloud Council
National Forest News
For Snotel
Info on the town of Stanley
Delorme Maps
Images
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