SURVEYORS LOOKOUT
USFS · Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Campground
- Hours
- Open 24 hours/day
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Phone
- 208-245-4517
- Nearest dump station
- Cedar Flats Dump Station · 62.3 mi
- Coordinates
- 46.9942, -115.5333
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
Overview Located near the Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area Attractions, Surveyors Lookout is perched atop a 30 foot tower, providing phenomenal views of Snow Peak and the surrounding mountains. The cabin is listed on the National Historic Register for Lookouts and offers visitors a unique camping experience in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The original pole structure lookout was built in 1931 as part of a network of lookouts used to spot fires in the Upper St. Joe Country. The original lookout was replaced with the current treated timber structure in 1964. Access to the lookout is via a rugged single-lane road with pullouts, and is not recommended for low clearance vehicles. Road may be slick when wet. Recreation The Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area straddles the divide between the Little North Fork Clearwater River basins and the North Fork Clearwater River. This beautiful area attracts hikers and some technical rock climbers. Hunting and trout fishing are offered in designated areas. From the lookout, there is access to Scribner Falls Trail #106 and nearby access to Surveyor's Ridge Trail #40, Horseshoe Loop Trail #141, and Northbound Creek Trail #111. A scenic drive through the upper St. Joe country is an excellent way to take in the sights leading up to the lookout. Facilities Surveyors Lookout can accommodate up to four guests. Furnishings include a propane cook stove, heater and lights. A twin bed and two extra mattresses are provided, along with a chest with some drawers. A refrigerator is also available, but it is very small and unreliable. It is recommended that guests bring a cooler with ice as backup. Cooking pots and utensils are included. No drinking water is available; guests should bring plenty of their own. An alternate option is to collect water from a spring located 1.4 miles down the access road. This water is non-potable and must be boiled or treated before consuming. Items to pack include food, bedding, a first aid kit, dish soap, towels, toiletries and binoculars. If planning to collect water from a stream, water containers are needed. Guests are advised to bring warm clothes and blankets for cold evenings. Although a heater is provided, the lookout is not insulated so it remains cold. Natural Features Surveyors Lookout is located atop Surveyors Ridge at an elevation of 6,000 feet. The 30 foot tower overlooks the spectacular Mallard-Larkins Pioneer Area, which straddles the divide between the Little North Fork Clearwater River basins and the North Fork Clearwater River. Snow Peak, Middle Sister and Mallard Peak Lookouts are still standing and can be seen from Surveyors. Nearby Attractions Avery is the nearest town for conveniences.
From the USFS.Official page
Is SURVEYORS LOOKOUT free?
No. SURVEYORS LOOKOUT charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to SURVEYORS LOOKOUT?
Via the St. Joe River Road to Beaver Creek: Travel 29 miles east of Avery on St. Joe River Road (FH50) to the junction of the Red Ives Road No. 218. Turn south (right) and travel eight miles to the junction of Beaver Creek Road No. 303 (just past Beaver Creek Campground) Travel approximately 7.5 miles to junction of Road 201. Turn south (left) toward Sawtooth Saddle. Travel approximately 13 miles to access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A). From St. Regis: From St. Regis take Little Joe Road No. 282 approximately 14 1/2 miles to the top of Gold Summit, stay on the same road which changes names at the summit and becomes FH50. Travel approximately 12 1/2 miles to the junction of the Red Ives Road No. 218. Travel approximately eight miles on the Red Ives Road to the junction of Beaver Creek Road No. 303 (just past Beaver Creek Campground). Travel approximately 7.5 miles to Road No. 201. Turn south (left) toward Sawtooth Saddle. Travel approximately 13 miles to access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A). Via the St. Joe River Road to Bluff Creek: Travel 20 miles east of Avery on St. Joe River Road (FH50) to the junction of Bluff Creek Road No. 509. Turn south (right) across bridge and travel eight miles to the junction of Pineapple Road No. 1258. Turn north (left) and travel 3 miles to Pineapple Saddle and the junction of 201 Road. Turn south (left) on 201 and travel 28 miles to the access road to Surveyors Lookout (Road 395A). It takes 2 1/2 hours to get to the lookout from Pineapple Saddle. Please note, you may encounter logging traffic along the Bluff Creek route during week days. Access is via a rugged single-lane road with pull-outs. It is not recommended for low clearance vehicles. (Note the road number changes to Road #395 between the Elk Prairie junction and Table Camp). Turn right and follow the access road approximately 1/2 mile to the lookout. Approximate travel time to the lookout from various points: 3 1/2 hours from Avery via St. Joe River Road to Be
Nearby
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
