Packsaddle Campground

About this campsite

Campground: Packsaddle Campground. Operated by US Forest Service.

Location

Packsaddle Campground•ID

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

WED🌤️

24° / 8°

—

THU☁️

24° / 14°

💧 12%

FRI☁️

21° / 9°

💧 35%

SAT🌦️

17° / 8°

💧 57%

SUN🌦️

9° / 5°

💧 79%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

5.7 km away

Turner Flat Campground

Campground: Turner Flat Campground. Operated by US Forest Service.

8.2 km away

Tin Can Flat Campground

Campground: Tin Can Flat Campground. Operated by US Forest Service.

14.4 km away

ARID PEAK LOOKOUT

Overview Arid Peak Lookout was built in 1934 to help detect fires that may have been sparked by the Milwaukee Railroad Line. It was last staffed in 1969 and sat idle for over 25 years before being renovated by a team of over 30 volunteers, the Forest Fire Lookout Association and the U.S. Forest Service. Arid Peak Lookout was restored to its original splendor in 1997 and is available for rent to the public. The lookout is listed on the National Register of Historic Lookouts and provides epic 360 degree views of the Bitterroot Mountains. Access to the cabin requires a moderately-steep 3 mile hike and availability is dependent on weather conditions. Recreation The Hiawatha Bicycle Trail is considered the "crown jewel" of rail-to-trail mountain biking trails as it zips across seven trestles and through 10 tunnels in the magnificent Bitterroot Mountains. The trail can be accessed just over 10 miles from the lookout. The lookout offers access to the Arid Peak Trail #173, Mozier Peak Trail #174, and Kyle Creek Trail #175. All three trails are great for day-hiking, but can also be explored over longer backpacking treks or on horseback. Facilities The cabin fits up to four guests. Furnishings include two cots with mattresses, basic cooking gear, dishes, a propane lantern, propane camp stove, water containers, a table with two chairs and a wood stove. An outhouse is located outside the tower. No water is available so guests must bring their own or boil and treat stream water. Propane canisters are not included; a stock of 16.4 ounce canisters are required to use cooking and lighting equipment. Other items to pack include bedding, food, binoculars, a first aid kit, flashlights, towels, toilet paper, and dish soap. Natural Features The Arid Peak Lookout is located within the St. Joe River area of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, an area that includes most of what was originally established as the St. Joe National Forest. The area is known for its blue-ribbon cutthroat trout streams, Wild and Scenic Rivers and extensive roadless and primitive areas. The St. Joe Rover area is also nationally recognized for its elk herds. The 20 foot tower sits at an elevation of 5,306 feet and overlooks the beautiful Loop Creek area and the scenic Hiawatha Bicycle Trail. The mixed conifer forest around the facility includes Douglas fir and spruce. Wildlife sightings of elk, deer, black bears, moose and bald eagles are common. This is bear country; Visitors are advised to be aware of and practice bear safety. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (208) 245-2531. Nearby Attractions The town of Avery has the nearest conveniences.

20.5 km away

Little North Fork Clearwater Campground

Campground: Little North Fork Clearwater Campground.

26.3 km away

SHOSHONE PARK KITCHEN

Overview Shoshone Park is a pristine forested park with a stream running through the area. It features two reservable kitchen shelters suitable for groups of all types. Perks of the family-friendly site include a large field and the Hale Fish Hatchery on the east end of the park. A point of particular interest is the Captain John Mullan historic cabin. Mullan was a 19th Century military commander who built a wagon road, which is used today as a hiking trail and snowmobiling route. Recreation Groups enjoy playing baseball on the open field, pitching horseshoes and barbecuing. Bird watching is a rewarding pastime here, and a visit to the fish hatchery always fun. Facilities The park includes 21 first-come first-served picnic tables in addition to the group kitchen facilities. Both kitchen shelters come with large grills and piped drinking water. The West Kitchen Shelter has electric hookups. Natural Features At 3,600 feet, Shoshone Park sits in a valley at the base of Runt Mountain, a peak in the Bitterroot Mountains. The park is part of Idaho Panhandle National Forests, located near the border of Montana. Nearby Attractions A few miles west is the historic mining town of Mullan, Idaho.