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Fire Lookouts in Idaho

9 fire lookouts in Idaho with photography planning data — sunrise and sunset azimuths, golden hour by month, Milky Way windows and estimated sky darkness. Idaho County has the most (6). The darkest skies are at Salmon Mountain Lookout (Bortle 1).

Top fire lookouts

Arctic Point Fire LookoutFire Lookout
Arctic Point Fire LookoutIdaho County
Gardiner Peak LookoutFire Lookout
Gardiner Peak LookoutIdaho County
Bishop Mountain LookoutFire Lookout
Bishop Mountain LookoutFremont County
Fire Lookout
Carey Dome Fire LookoutIdaho County
Fire Lookout
Salmon Mountain LookoutIdaho County
Fire Lookout
Butts Creek Point Fire LookoutIdaho County
Heavens Gate LookoutFire Lookout
Heavens Gate LookoutIdaho County
Fire Lookout
Mallard Peak LookoutClearwater County
Fire Lookout
Indian Mountain LookoutAdams County

Fire Lookouts by county

Map

How to photograph fire lookouts

Lookouts are built for 360° views, so sunrise and sunset are both options — use the azimuths to decide which view you want.

  • Some lookouts can be rented overnight through recreation.gov, which puts you on site for both sunset and sunrise.
  • Shoot the tower itself against the Milky Way or star trails on clear, moonless nights.
  • Haze from wildfire smoke can turn the sun deep red but reduce visibility; check air quality.
  • Access roads may be rough or seasonal.

Season: Summer and early autumn; many towers are staffed only during fire season.