Up in the hills north of Boise is a most unusual lookout on top of a lookout. First established in 1926 by the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association with a two-story cabin,

Shafer Butte Lookout was replaced in 1958 when the Boise National Forest constructed a 14' x 14' R-6 flattop cab on a 10' concrete block base. The ground floor was used for living quarters many years ago, and later was used as a radio and storage room. The second floor then became living quarters. As the radio towers expanded, the third floor was used for the alidade and observation.

In the late 80s or 90s, the Bogus Basin ski patrol began to occupy the second floor. The lookout is now used in emergencies.