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In the 1930s, the government began a project of creating a network of lookout cabins throughout the western part of the country to help the Forest Service identify wildfires more quickly. While there are still a few that are active, most were decommissioned by 1990. Today, they’re a unique place for adventure seekers and nature lovers to spend a night or two, enjoying incredible views in complete solitude. Now, these towers may lack the modern conveniences of running water and electricity (you really will be “roughing it”) but what you lack in modern comfort, you gain in 360-degree views of some of the most stunning scenery in Montana. Here are some of our favorite fire towers you can stay in overnight.

1. Yaak Mountain Lookout
Nizo Sutton/Google Reviews
Yaak Mountain Lookout, NF-4407, Troy, MT 59935, USA
Taylor Passofaro/Google Reviews
Perched 45 feet high in the sky above the gorgeous Yaak Valley, this rustic retreat provides the bare essentials, but maximum views. There is no electricity or water, but there is an outhouse nearby. The lookout can sleep up to four people, just remember to bring your own bedding and cooking gear. When the views are this awe-inspiring, you won’t even miss those modern-day conveniences.

Take a look at the views you'll enjoy from the Yaak Mountain Lookout in this video from Tony and Kim Adventures. You'll also see what the area looks like after a fairly recent fire:
2. Big Creek Baldy Lookout
Traza Bills/Google Reviews
Big Creek Baldy Lookout, 12557 MT-37, Libby, MT 59923, USA
Traza Bills/Google Reviews
The views of the Kootenai National Forest from this lookout will leave you speechless. The 225-square-foot cabin stands 52 feet tall and is completely encircled by a catwalk, so you can walk around the entire perimeter catching incredible views with every step. The cabin can sleep four and includes propane lights, a two-burner cooktop, a heater, and propane so you can heat up meals.
3. Cougar Peak Lookout
david clampet/Google Reviews
Cougar Peak Lookout, National Forest Development Road 403, NF-403, Montana 59873, USA
AKA Wilkey/Google Reviews
Located near Thompson Falls, this unique lookout features a fabulous view of the river valley, the Cabinet Mountains, and the Couer d’Alene Mountains. This is the perfect lookout for anyone not able to climb the stairs found at most lookouts, since this one isn’t elevated, but still grants some gorgeous views!

Montana fire lookouts offer amazing views that are hard to find without taking a long hike to the top of a mountain. Take a short hike to the Cougar Peak Lookout in this video from Inukshuk Al:

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4. Double Arrow Lookout
Lee T/Google Reviews
Double Arrow Lookout, Beaver Cr Rd, Seeley Lake, MT 59868, USA
Rob Vida/Google Reviews
You’ll have a mesmerizing view of the Swan Mountains and Seeley Valley from this lookout. This is one of the few lookouts that does have electricity, and when the view is this enchanting, you probably won’t mind standing over the stove cooking up your favorite meal.
5. Hornet Lookout
Kaitlin Powers-Engdahl/Google Reviews
Hornet Lookout Parking, Polebridge, MT 59928, USA
Jonathan Geurts/Google Reviews
On a clear day, you’ll have a front-row seat to see Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake from this lookout. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the Northern lights! There is a one-mile hike from the trailhead/parking area to reach this lookout, but we promise…the views are worth it.
6. Up Up Lookout
Andy Sims/Google Reviews
Up Up Lookout, Montana 59867, USA
Andy Sims/Google Reviews
Up, up we go! This lookout sits 40 feet tall on a rock pinnacle in the Bitterroot Mountains in western Montana. There’s a campfire ring and a picnic table at the base, but keep in mind there are no cooking facilities or refrigeration at this lookout, so just like the other lookouts, you’ll need to bring your own cooking equipment, fuel, and water. With views like this, you won’t even mind getting back to the basics. In fact, you may never want to leave!

Enjoy this tour of Up Up Lookout in the Lolo National Forest in this video from Just Peachy:

It really is an incredible experience to enjoy beautiful scenic views from such a unique vantage point. Have you ever hiked to any of these fire towers you can stay in? We’d love to hear a story or two about your adventure.

All bookings go through recreation.gov, and links to each lookout are listed above. For even more camping adventures, check out these luxury cabins in Montana.

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More to Explore

More Montana fire lookout towers

Chris Muras | September 07, 2023

What are some hikes in Montana to fire towers?

 

Montana has plenty of old fire towers left and many of them you can either stay in overnight or enjoy the view from the top. Here are some hikes in Montana to fire towers with stunning views:

  • Scalplock Lookout Trail, Essex, MY: Located in Glacier National Park, this nine-mile out-and-back trail will lead you on a beautiful adventure through the woods. As you get closer to the top of the mountain, the views around you are breathtaking. The Scalplock Lookout at the end of the trail is a staffed lookout tower so there are no overnight stays available but you can look around and enjoy the amazing views of Salvage Mountain, Church Butte, and Two Medicine Pass.
  • Cinnamon Mountain Trail, Big Sky, MT: This fantastic trail is moderately difficult at some points but the extra effort is well worth the extra few breaths. For about 2.5 miles you'll follow Cinnamon Creek until you reach a ridge that gives you incredible views of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area including Big Sky, the Spanish Peaks, and Gallatin Canyon. The Cinnamon Mountain Lookout is no longer in use but you can still enjoy the incredible 360-degree views that made this an ideal location for a lookout.
  • Fire Lookout Tower Airbnb, Columbia Falls, MT: An honorable mention to this list is this fantastic fire tower cabin. Enjoy amazing forest views while being surrounded by hiking trails, nature, and wildlife. You also have access to a 900-square-foot section of Five Lake for some pretty incredible kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

 

Get all the most recent updates about these hiking trails from AllTrails+.

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