Overview
Bald Mountain Lookout Starting Elevation: 5334 feet
Summit Elevation: 5334 feet
Hike Distance: From Giant White Pine Campground 9 miles, by car, 0 ft
Bald Mountain is a name used for several peaks in Idaho alone. Most likely if you type Bald Mountain into a search engine you will find the (9151 foot) centerpiece of the Sun Valley Ski Resort in near Ketchum also known as
Baldy.
Early Season Snow The Bald Mountain this page is focused on is, however, quite a different animal. At 5,334 feet it is not all that tall by Idaho standards but it does have several noteworthy reasons for a visit.
First, it is the
County Highpoint of Latah County. It lies only about half a mile within the county boundary but that is good enough.
Second, it has a nice fire lookout at its summit which was built in 1960 and decommissioned in 1984. It is about 50 feet off the ground and can be
rented at least through October.
Third, Bald mountain is accessible by car! Not even an extremely high clearance car, it is a bit bumpy and has some areas which would need to be taken slowly, but overall, the road to the top is clear and easy travel.
Fourth, It holds 2080 feet of prominence above the surrounding landscape which is good enough for # 87 on the
Idaho 2000-ft Prominence List and has an isolation of 25 miles from the nearest taller peak. That translates to a pretty good viewing range.
Panoramic Images
South to West panoramic view Bald Mountain Lookout (5334 feet) |
North panoramic view Bald Mountain Lookout (5334 feet) |
Getting There
From US-95 in Idaho go East on ID-6 through the town of Potlatch 22.9 miles to FSR 377 (also signed as Palouse Divide Road). The
Palouse Divide Lodge is to the first left so continue right on FSR 377 for 6.9 miles to a gentle right labeled "BMLO" then one more mile to the Bald Mountain lookout turnoff. Proceed one more mile to the lookout.
Red Tape
None
Camping
Camping is available seasonally at the Giant White Pine Camp Ground off ID-6 the lookout also may be rented.
External Links
www.recreation.gov
www.firelookout.com