Cougar Peak Lookout
Closed — Closed for the season. The lookout operates June 20 through September 18 annually. Reservations available through Recreation.gov with a 3-night maximum stay.
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.
R1-2023-02 - 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…
East Fork Big Creek Road & Trail Closure- Superior Ranger District
Due to recent weather, East Fork Big Creek Road (Forest Service Road 428) is closed from milepost 1.35 junction with 16046 (lodgepole) to milepost 1.85 seasonal gate closure turnaround. This closure is for public health and safety due to hazardous conditions resulting from flood and wind damage…
Forest, Regional and Other Regulations
Welcome to the Lolo National Forest As a visitor to the national forests, you must follow certain rules to protect the forest and natural environment, and to ensure your health and safety.Forest and Regional RegulationsAll bear attractants, including any type of food and garbage, must be stored in…
Deer Creek Road & Snowmobile Trail Closed on Superior Ranger District
Deer Creek Road #236 and Deer Creek Loop Snowmobile Trail (SNO-70.1) on the Superior Ranger District are closed due to flood and wind damage to the road, bridge crossing, and trail.
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.
About
Cougar Peak Lookout provides a unique opportunity to experience the lifestyle of early Forest Service fire lookouts while enjoying spectacular mountain scenery. Built in 1952 to replace an earlier 1930s structure, this standard L-4 ground house sits in the Cabinet Mountains of western Montana at 6,694 feet elevation, offering impressive views of the Clark Fork River valley and surrounding peaks. The 14x14-foot cabin accommodates up to four guests with a full bed (mattress pad provided), table with two chairs, and a wood stove for heat. A vault toilet outhouse is located approximately 200 feet away at the parking area. The lookout is accessible via Forest Road 403, though late spring snowdrifts may require a short hike. Guests must walk about 150 feet from parking to the cabin. Visitors must be self-sufficient, bringing all water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, as well as bedding, cooking equipment, utensils, flashlights, and food. Firewood can be collected locally for the wood stove. The location is within grizzly bear habitat, requiring proper food storage at all times. Nearby recreation includes the Cougar Peak Trail along the ridge, and fishing opportunities at the Noxon Rapids and Cabinet Gorge reservoirs on the Clark Fork River. The surrounding Lolo National Forest is home to mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, and various bird species including bald and golden eagles.
Directions
From Thompson Falls, Montana, 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 miles to the junction with Forest Road 403. Turn right and travel about 14 miles to the lookout. The cabin is a 150-foot walk from the parking area.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| 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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