Lookout Mountain is a place very dear to my heart. I always tell people that the top of Lookout Mt is the “prettiest place on earth.” I have to go up to the top every few years. We always make sure we take M&M’s to Pam, the lookout lady for the last 18 years. They are MUCH appreciated! I figured that since Lookout Mt has not one but TWO lookouts at the top, then it is deserving of not one but two CACHES! I placed this cache at Lookout Lake, which is ¾ mi into the 2 ½ mile hike to the top of Lookout Mt. This lake is very beautiful when it’s still, especially at sunset, when it reflects like a mirror. I’ve taken photos here and turned them upside down, and nobody could tell the difference. If you look up on the ridge top from here, you can see both lookouts standing guard above. If you continue on the hike to the top, you’ll get awesome views of Chimney Rock, Sundance Mt lookout, the whole 21 miles of Priest Lake & all of the islands, the thorofare, and the whole 3 miles of the Upper Priest Lake. From the top you can look north into Canada, west to South Baldy, East to Roman Nose, etc. Lionhead Peak is very prominent from here, too.
Directions: Take hwy 57 north from Priest River, turn right toward Coolin/Cavanaugh Bay, continue 23 miles north toward Lionhead Campground. (Road is paved to Indian Creek, then turns to gravel.) Once past Lionhead Campground continue on main road till you pass mile marker #23. Just past that, take a right onto road #44. The road gets considerably rougher from here. A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Follow #44 for 2.5 miles until the jct of Rd #44/43. Turn right onto road #43. At the 1st switchback Rd #43 veers to the right, and you will go left on Rd #432. Climb for about 3 miles until you reach a flat, well-defined parking area. (There is a gate here, opened or closed.) The trailhead is on the left marked with flagging @ N 48° 47.040, W 116° 47.151' The cache is a 50-cal ammo box.