Mullan in Shoshone County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
History of Lookout Pass
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 22, 2011
1. History of Lookout Pass Marker
Lookout Pass is one of the original U.S. Ski areas. The area was first utilized by local Scandinavians who hopped off Northern Pacific freight cars to enjoy a day of alpine skiing at the Pass. A rope tow was installed in 1936 through use of parts from an abandoned car wreck that was found along the old Yellowstone Hwy which is now I-90. The Idaho Ski Club officially opened Lookout Pass Ski Area on February 24, 1938. A highway maintenance shed was nicknamed Buzzard's Roost and served as a warming hut with a pot-belly stove and homemade soups and sandwiches.
The U.S. Forest Service detailed a CCC crew to construct a lodge using a rustic design. When it was dedicated on Dec. 7, 1941, it became the second oldest ski lodge in the Pacific Northwest. The original lodge is still in use and is the center section of the lodge building behind this sign.
The Lookout Pass Ski Patrol is also one of the original National Ski Patrol member organizations with the registration number 009. This award winning group of volunteers has served the ski area continuously for over 70 years. Lookout's famous Free Ski School for kids was
this page online
Lookout Pass is on the divide that creates the Idaho Montana state line. The ski area is one of three national ski areas where skiers can ski in two states.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is February 24, 1938.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 47° 27.359′ N, 115° 41.819′ W. Marker was in Mullan, Idaho, in Shoshone County. It could be reached from Lookout Pass Ski Area Road west of Interstate 90, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Mullan ID 83846, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in North Idaho Idahos Panhandle. It was also in the
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, July 22, 2011
2. Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Welcome to Silver Valley (approx. 0.8 miles away); 1910 Fire (approx. 0.8 miles away); Willow Creek Slide (approx. 1.8 miles away); Lead-Silver Mines (approx. 1.8 miles away); A wonderful Piece of Engineering: The Mullan Road (approx. 4.1 miles away in Montana); A Lost World (approx. 4.1 miles away in Montana); Join the Voyage of Discovery (approx. 4.1 miles away in Montana); The Trail Follows the Trains (approx. 5 miles away in Montana). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mullan.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Murray Gold Fields (was approx. 0.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . . Lookout Pass. (Submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,191 times since then and 86 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2026, by Richard Hawkins of Phelan, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 29, 2011, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
