BONNER COUNTY
SMITH MOUNTAIN
Kootenai National Forest
59N-3E-32
59N-3E-32
July 6, 1925: "Much trail work is expected to be completed this season throughout the Kootenai national forest, a large amount of which is in the territory surrounding Troy.
A trail from about the forks of South and North Callahan creeks along the divide between those two streams to Smith mountain will be started. This will have particular protection advantages. Ranger Donica is in charge of the project." (Great Falls Tribune)
A trail from about the forks of South and North Callahan creeks along the divide between those two streams to Smith mountain will be started. This will have particular protection advantages. Ranger Donica is in charge of the project." (Great Falls Tribune)
1930: 10 x 10 frame cabin (Kresek)
1934: 10-foot pole tower with L-4 cab (Kresek)
1964: Sold for $2.00 (Kresek)
1965: Two-story concrete block with R-6 cab. (Kresek)
July 6, 1966: "Smith Mountain, the highest in the forest will have the first Negro lookout in the district, Ernest Palin, a North Carolina student. Palin will work at the station until the snow-packed Smith Mountain road is open. All lookouts in the district now have roads for access with Smith Mountain the latest to be completed." (The Daily Inter Lake)
January 26, 1967: "Withdrawal from mining location of a 10 acre site on the Kootenai National Forest has been requested by the Department of Agriculture. The Smith Mountain lookout occupies the site located 10 miles south of Troy, Mont., between the south and north forks of Callahan creek just across the state line in Idaho.
Protection of public investments of $8,000 for the lookout will be afforded by the proposed withdrawal, according to Forest Service officials. There is no prospecting or mining activity in the immediate area, and present use of the lands would be disrupted if any were permitted, the request states." (Sandpoint News Bulletin)
July 25, 1975: "The Kootenai National Forest is soliciting bids for the sale of excess buildings and property, including residences and lookout towers.
The fifth bid item is the Smith Mountain Lookout cabin on the Troy Ranger District, constructed of wood and resting on a cement block foundation.
Inspection of bid items can be arranged through the respective ranger districts each building is located on.
Bids will be received until 2 p.m. Aug. 11. at the forest supervisor's office in Libby." (The Daily Inter Lake)
1975: Sold for $211.00 (Kresek)
1975: The structure was sold and moved.