Three Fingers Trip Planning
As of March 2025, the lookout is secured for the season. Winter travel to the lookout is possible by experienced mountaineers but is highly discouraged. The lookout is frequently encased in ice and snow and even into early spring is a hotspot for rescues of eager travelers.
Road FS 41 is closed at a washout and blocked by boulders 5.5 miles from the Mountain Loop Hwy. There is room to park at the closure. This makes the round trip to Tupso Pass 25 miles. Water is plentiful. Please bring a WAG bag and pack out your human waste. WAG bags cannot be disposed of in backcountry toilets. Plan to hike out all your trash.
The lookout will be closed to public access from Aug 25 to Sep 5, 2025
Expect snow and ice beyond Goat Flats. Remove crampons before entering. Conditions can change rapidly and anyone wishing to visit Three Fingers should travel with care and appropriate gear (shelter, extra layers, stove/fuel, traction, ice axe, communication device, etc). Keep shutters closed during inclement weather and when leaving.
This hike is very difficult and strenuous, and the last half mile of the trail requires mountain climbing equipment and expertise. You must traverse a short, steep section of the Three Fingers snow Glacier, make a rocky scramble and ascend steep ladders to the lookout on the south peak of Three Fingers. Mountain. As there is considerable exposure, those using the cabin and ladder must determine if the climb to the lookout is safe.
Meadow Mt trail is flagged from FS 41 to Meadow Mt summit. Multiple trees down on the climb up to Meadow Mt. There is a huge log that has rerouted the trail above Saddle lake. Look for a rough trail that goes straight up/down to the next switchback.
Locked shutters are damaged, please do not attempt to open them. Follow directions posted at the lookout for safe operation.
Maximum occupancy of lookout is 8, First come, first served. As shown in the picture above, space is very limited. Be prepared to camp below the lookout. You may be turned around by occupants. Use Rocky Talkie/Motorola FRS channel 1 to communicate with lookout from Goat Flats. If you are at the lookout, please reciprocate by monitoring channel 1.
Due to social media, visitation to the lookout is now extremely high, even on weekdays.
Human waste is an increasing problem at the lookout. Hiding poop and paper under rocks or snow quickly become exposed. Use the toilet at Goat Flat or pack out solid waste and toilet paper. Please do not dispose of blue bags at the Goat Flat toilet.
Approach road, trails, and lookout maintenance are a joint activity between The Mountaineers LOTM committee and the Friends of Three Fingers.
Report damage to lookout or missing equipment to friendsofthreefingers@gmail.com and everettlotm@gmail.com
Donate via PayPal. If you have a PayPal account, you can make a donation at friendsofthreefingers@gmail.com.
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If you are interested in a tax-deductible donation, FOTF has a relationship with the Forest Fire Lookout Association (a 501(c)3 organization) which provides this avenue. Write the check to Forest Fire Lookout Association, but note that it is intended for Friends of Three Fingers Lookout. Send it to: Forest Fire Lookout Association, 2590 W. Versailles Drive, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815-8127.
Recent trip reports: