Thompson Peak Lookout Tower
Closed — Closed for the season. Opens mid-May and operates through mid-October annually. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.
Winter Weather Advisory issued January 2 at 12:45AM MST until January 2 at 12:00PM MST by NWS Missoula MT
...SNOW AND WINTRY MIX TODAY... .This set of Winter Weather Advisories has been issued due to concerns for mixed precipitation types given the recent colder weather and subsequently cold road temperatures. Do not expect significant or major accumulations amounts of ice and/or snow. Rain or wet snow falling on frozen surfaces can easily become very slick and exacerbated by compaction and/or frictional heating from tires on roadways. * WHAT...Mixed precipitation expected. There is a likelihood of minor to moderate winter weather impacts. Total snow accumulations up to one inch, up to two inches at Lookout Pass, and ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch. * WHERE...I-90 Lookout Pass to Haugan, Evaro Hill, Highway 200 Thompson Falls to Plains, and Highway 200 Trout Creek to Heron. * WHEN...Until noon MST today. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Use caution while driving. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute, especially over higher passes.
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 standards.
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.
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 (Flathe
Deer Creek Bridge Closure - Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event the Deer Creek Bridge on the Superior Ranger District was severely damaged and is unsafe for travel. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
Ward Creek Road Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to the recent weather event a portion of the Ward Creek Road is closed. For your health and safety please avoid travel in this area.
25-021-Lolo-D4 Stony Creek Cutoff Closure
The Stony Creek Cutoff Road (Road #5490) is closed for protection of Forest Service stock.
About
Thompson Peak Lookout Tower offers a distinctive lodging experience in the Lolo National Forest, providing the solitude of a remote fire lookout with modern conveniences rarely found in such facilities. The rental occupies the third floor of a multi-story concrete block tower that serves as an active radio and cellular equipment site, with equipment housed on other floors. An enclosed stairway provides safe access, making this lookout more suitable for families with children compared to traditional open-platform towers. The modernized cabin includes amenities uncommon to lookout rentals: electricity, a microwave, heater, stove, small refrigerator, carpeting, and one twin bed. Cell phone coverage is available, and guests can drive directly to the tower, though caution is advised as there is no level parking area and wheel chocks are recommended. The lookout provides spectacular views of the Clark Fork Valley, the town of Superior, and the Idaho state line across the sweeping Montana landscape. Located within the 2 million-acre Lolo National Forest, the area offers opportunities for hiking on nearby trails, wildlife viewing, and exploring the surrounding wilderness. The forest is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, black and grizzly bears, bald and golden eagles, and numerous other species. The tower's location balances accessibility from Superior with the quiet and solitude expected from a lookout experience.
Directions
From Missoula, travel west on I-90 for 55 miles to Exit 47 for Superior. Turn left at the stop sign, then left again at the next stop sign and proceed under the interstate. Turn left onto Diamond Match Road toward the Exxon Gas Station and continue just over a mile, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 320. Drive about 3 miles, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 7863 and travel just over 6 miles to the lookout. No level parking area available; set parking brake and chock wheels.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $75 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (406) 822-4233 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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