Hornet Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. Open annually June 15 through October 15. Reservations available through Recreation.gov starting 6 months in advance at 8:00 a.m. Maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights with 7 total days per calendar year.
R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage…
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. It also…
R1-2023-02 - NCDE Food and Wildlife Attractant Storage Order
Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Order for the Flathead, Lolo, Kootenai, Helena-Lewis and Clark, and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests within the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem.
Order 01-15-00-25-01: Bob Marshall, Scapegoat, and Great Bear Wilderness Restrictions
Occupancy and Use and Trail Restrictions for the entire Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, as well as trail, stock, and camping restrictions on Our Lake Trail and lake area (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), beneath the Chinese Wall (Helena-Lewis and Clark NF), and Castle Creek Riverside Campsite (Flathead…
Current Avalanche Danger and Forecast
Avalanche Danger: Know before you go! Avalanche Forecasts at Flathead Avalanche Center The Flathead National Forest has three forecast zones for avalanches: the Whitefish Range, the Flathead Range and Glacier National Park, and the Swan Range. Avalanche hazards are highly spatially variable, so…
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
4.4 miles of National Forest System Trail 800 Tally-Ashley will be closed for public safety during logging activities starting 9/4/2025 - 9/1/2026 unless rescinded sooner.
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
From September 1, 2025 through December 1, 2026, unless rescinded, the following is prohibited in the Ryan Road area:Camping or otherwise occupying a site except where designated .Camping or otherwise occupying a designated site for over three consecutive days within a calendar year.
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
NFS Road 1625 is closed between milepost 2.84 and 5.08 for public safety due to road substrate slumping. This closed segment is from the junction with Rd #9881 at milepost 2.84 to the end of Rd #1625 starting 8/13/2025 - 8/12/2027 unless rescinded sooner.
Water Vessel Prohibitions
Violating State water vessel safety and operation laws and regulations is prohibited on all Flathead National Forest waterways.
Avalanche Watch issued February 16 at 1:45PM MST by NWS Missoula MT
AVAMSO The following message is transmitted at the request of Flathead Avalanche Center Hungry Horse MT. ...AVALANCHE WATCH ISSUED BY THE FLATHEAD AVALANCHE CENTER... 14:00 MST Mon Feb 16 2026 The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WATCH for the following areas: NWS Missoula MT - MTZ002 (MTZ002) * WHAT...The avalanche danger is anticipated to increase to High (Level 4 of 5) Tuesday as an incoming storm brings heavy snow and strong winds to the forecast region. * WHERE...Mid and upper elevations in the Swan, Flathead, and Whitefish Ranges, and portions of Glacier National Park (the Apgar Range, the Lake McDonald Valley, and Marias Pass). * WHEN...In effect from Mon 14:00 MST to Tue 14:00 MST. * IMPACTS...A foot or more of new snow is forecasted at mid and upper- elevations. Moderate winds may drift snow into steep start zones. Many slopes and start zones harbor weak layers that are already sensitive to human triggers. The additional loading makes large to very large natural and triggered avalanches likely. Remotely-triggered avalanches will also be possible.</p> * PRECAUTIONARY / PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...If the snowfall arrives as forecast, very dangerous avalanche conditions may develop. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in these conditions. Avalanches may be triggered from below or from adjacent slopes. Avalanches may run long distances and can run into mature forests, valley floors, or flat terrain. Consult http://www.flatheadavalanche.org/ or www.avalanche.org for more detailed information. Similar avalanche danger may exist at locations outside the coverage area of this or any avalanche center.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 15 at 12:17PM MST until February 17 at 5:00PM MST by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Snow expected. There is a likelihood moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations between 2 and 5 inches in valley areas with 4 to 8 inches in higher terrain, including Marias Pass. * WHERE...Polebridge, Highway 83 Bigfork to Swan Lake, Marias Pass, Bad Rock Canyon, Glacier National Park, and Essex. * WHEN...From 2 AM to 5 PM MST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...For MODERATE winter weather impacts, expect disruptions to normal activities. Hazardous traveling conditions. Use extra caution while driving. Closures and disruptions to infrastructure may occur. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday morning and evening commutes, especially over higher passes.
About
Hornet Lookout is a historic fire lookout cabin built in 1922 that sits atop Hornet Peak at 6,744 feet elevation in the Flathead National Forest. Once an integral part of the chain of lookouts providing forest fire detection in the North Fork area, it now serves as a unique rustic rental offering astounding 360-degree views of the surrounding terrain, including Glacier National Park and Kintla Lake on clear days. On some nights, the Northern Lights may be visible from the lookout. The lookout is accessed via a 1-mile hike on Hornet Trail 349 from the trailhead parking area. It accommodates a maximum of 2 people with cots provided. Amenities include a propane cook stove and lantern, a small wood stove for heat, and a pit toilet. A hand saw is provided for gathering firewood near the lookout. Guests must bring their own bedding and all water, as no potable water is available. The area surrounding the lookout was burned during the 2003 Wedge Fire but is making a comeback with wildflowers and bear grass. The location offers access to hiking and mountain biking on gravel roads and trails, as well as wildlife viewing opportunities. Nearby peaks include Wedge Mountain and Akinkoka Peak. The lookout is located in the Glacier View Ranger District, bordered by the North Fork of the Flathead River and Glacier National Park to the east, Canada to the north, and Kootenai National Forest to the west. Reservations are made through Recreation.gov and open 6 months in advance at 8:00 a.m. There is a maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights with a total of 7 days per calendar year. Dogs are allowed.
Directions
From Columbia Falls, take Nucleus Avenue north through Columbia Falls and turn east on Railroad Street. At the stop sign, the road becomes the North Fork Road. Continue on North Fork Road for about 45 miles and over the railroad overpass. Turn left (west) on Whale Creek Road 318 and drive 4 miles, then turn right on the narrow Hornet Road 9805 and go 5.2 miles to the trailhead of Hornet Trail 349. Hike about 1 mile to the lookout. Use caution as Road 9805 is narrow with few pullouts.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 387-3800 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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