Lunch Peak Lookout
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Hours
- Open 24 hours/day
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Coordinates
- 48.3751, -116.1941
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
Lunch Peak lookout offers breathtaking views of Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, the Selkirk Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille. Located in the Cabinet Mountains, 35 miles northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho, the lookout sits at 6, 414 ft. Guests can enjoy easy access to Pend Oreille Divide Trail. The lookout is remote and rustic with no heat, furnishings, water or cooking facilities. This basic structure lets visitors experience the feeling of roughing it while enjoying the cozy shelter and incredible views of the mountains and valleys below. Natural Features: The lookout is located northeast of Sandpoint, Idaho and Lake Pend Oreille at an elevation of 6,414 feet. Bear, deer, elk, and cougar are among the wildlife native to the area. Visitors are cautioned to be aware of and practice bear safety while staying at Lunch Peak Lookout. Recreation: The Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 starts just below the lookout and is suitable for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. It follows ridge lines for much of its length and offers great views in all directions. Facilities: The 15x15 cabin was remodeled in 2002 and sits atop a high cinder block foundation. No water or heat is provided. The lookout has limited furnishings which include a table and storage cabinet. A modern vault toilet is located at the Pend Oreille Divide trailhead, 300 feet away. The last four miles of the access road is rough in spots and high clearance vehicles are recommended. The closest convenience store and fuel is located in Hope, Idaho, approximately 20 miles or a one hour drive. Pend Oreille Divide Trail #67 takes off from the lookout with access to several high mountain lakes within a 3 to 5 mile radius.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Lunch Peak Lookout free?
No. Lunch Peak Lookout charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Lunch Peak Lookout?
From Sandpoint take Hwy 200 east 12 miles to Trestle Creek Road; turn left onto Trestle Creek Road #275 and go 12 miles to Lunch Peak Road #1091; turn left onto Road 1091 and go 4 miles to the lookout.
What are the rules at Lunch Peak Lookout?
3 night maximum stay, 4 people maximum capacity. Dogs are not allowed in any of our cabins, lookouts or historic recreation areas that are available for reservation.
Nearby
- Black Mountain Lookout16.7 mi
- Star Peak Lookout23.0 mi
- Big Creek Baldy34.8 mi
- Snyder Guard Station35.2 mi
- Little Guard Lookout40.8 mi
- Raven Ranger Station47.3 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
