Elevation 5,014 feet
Hiking Distance: 0.5 or 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Prominence: 1,334 feet
Access Road: Good gravel road.
Washington Fire Lookouts
Indian Mountain is part of the Kaniksu National Forest, close to Priest Lake, Idaho. The lookout is just inside Washington with the access being from Idaho. There is also an old patrol point down the ridge.
Indian Mountain Lookout Tower
From the gate (if locked), walk the road about a mile to the ATV trail up the ridge. If you walk to the end of the road, there is said to be a trail up to the lookout. The ATV route is most direct. The gate is open from July 1 to Labor Day.
Route
From Highway 57 east of Priest Lake, ID, take the Kalispell Creek Road. Follow this road to the Indian Mountain Road (FS1362). Use aerial images since some of the Indian Creek Road was re-routed for the Kalispell Creek Road after a washout.
Access
In 1933, a 30 foot pole tower with L-4 cab was constructed.
In 1953, the present 40 foot treated timber tower with L-4 cab was constructed.
Lookout History
Indian Mountain gate (open July 1 to Labor Day)
Indian Mountain 1934
1942 map, 1958 update
Current lookout built in 1953
Sign now at the Lookout Museum in Spokane
Indian Benchmark
Footing from the 1933 tower
Extra phone line pegs
Outhouse
Southeast to Priest Lake
Looking Southwest
Indian Mountain Lookout
Walking the road near the trailhead
ATV trail to the summit
Looking Northeast
Looking Northwest
Looking Southwest
Out building
Story from Kreseks book
Access from gate