Cougar Peak Lookout
Closed for the season. The lookout operates annually from June 20 through September 18. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 3 nights per reservation. Check-in no earlier than 2:00 PM, check-out by 11:00 AM.
Wind Advisory issued September 24 at 10:18AM MDT until September 26 at 12:00AM MDT by NWS Missoula MT
* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph expected. * WHERE...Flathead/Mission Valleys and Kootenai/Cabinet Region. * WHEN...From 2 PM Friday to midnight MDT Friday Night. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...There's a 70 to 90 percent chance of gusting over 40 mph from Happy's Inn down to Hot Springs between 4PM and 6PM MDT. During the same period there's a 60 percent chance of gusting over 40 mph west of Kalispell, near Kila, and a 40 percent chance along the west side of the Mission valley and along the western shore of Flathead Lake. There's a 90 percent chance of gusts over 40 mph above 6,000 ft in the mountains.
Northern Region Camping & Target Restrictions, Pallet Prohibition
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within the states of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Idaho
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.
About
Cougar Peak Lookout provides a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of early Forest Service fire lookouts in the Cabinet Mountains of western Montana. Built in 1952 to replace an older 1930s structure, this 14x14-foot cabin sits at ground level at 6,694 feet elevation, commanding exceptional views of the Clark Fork River drainage, surrounding Cabinet Mountains, and the Coeur d'Alene Mountains to the west. The rustic cabin accommodates up to four people and includes a full bed with mattress pad for two, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove for heating. A vault toilet is located approximately 200 feet away at the parking area, and a small tent area is available outside the tower for additional sleeping space. Firewood for the stove may be collected locally. Guests must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all drinking water, bedding, cooking equipment and fuel, utensils, flashlights, matches, and toilet paper. All garbage must be packed out. The area is grizzly bear habitat, requiring proper food storage. Vehicle access is possible, though late spring snow may require a short hike from where the road becomes impassable.
Directions
From Thompson Falls, travel west on Highway 200 for about a mile. Before crossing the Clark Fork River bridge, turn right onto Blue Slide Road and continue about 8-9 miles to the junction with Forest Road 403. Turn right and follow the road approximately 14 miles to the end. The lookout cabin is a 150-foot walk from the parking area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| heather.berman@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (406) 826-3821 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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