Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental
Closed — Closed for winter. Typically open mid-June through late September. Access depends on weather and road conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov with a 5-consecutive-day stay limit.
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.
R1-2023-01 Northern Region Camping Restrictions
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, and South Dakota.
Flood Events & Safety Reminders
Over the past week, portions of the Kootenai National Forest have experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Ross Creek Cedar Flood Update
After the recent flood events that occurred across the Kootenai National Forest, the Ross Creek Cedars unfortunately sustained significant damage. The damage is currently being assessed.
Kootenai Flood Event & Inaccessible Areas
Portions of the Kootenai National Forest have recently experienced heavy amounts of rainfall due to an atmospheric river moving through the area.
Isabella & Lost Girl Fires- Road and Trail Closure
Due to the Isabella and Lost Girl Fires on the Cabinet Ranger District, a closure order is now in effect for a portion National Forest System Road 407, National Forest System Trail #407A, and Trail #646 (St. Paul Lake Trail).
Spruce Fire Road Closure-Updated
Due to the Spruce and Spruce Ridge Fires on the Three Rivers Ranger District, a closure order is still in effect. However, the original order has been terminated and replaced with an updated closure.
South Meadow Creek Fire Closure
Due to the South Meadow Creek Fire, a closure order is now in effect for National Forest System Roads #524 and #5961, starting at the junction of the two roads to their respective ending points.
Kootenai Rails Trail Closure
A portion of the Kootenai Rails Trail (NFS Trail #255) on the Rexford Ranger District is now temporarily closed during construction activities on the Tobacco River Bridge, which is over the trail, and to protect the public on the trail from potential debris impacts.
About
Big Creek Baldy Lookout has served as a fire observation point for over 60 years and now provides visitors with a unique mountain retreat experience. Perched at an elevation of 5,780 feet in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains, the 52-foot tower features a 225-square-foot cabin encircled by a catwalk, offering panoramic views of densely forested peaks, Lake Koocanusa, and the Yaak River valley. The cabin sleeps four people and includes one double bed and one twin bed with mattresses, propane lights and two-burner cooktop, a propane heater, table and chairs, fire extinguisher, and basic cooking utensils. An outhouse with vault toilet is located near the tower, and a campfire ring is available outside. Guests must bring their own water, bedding, cookware, firewood, and cleaning supplies. The location provides cell service and serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring the Libby Area's 400-plus miles of summer trails. Access requires a high clearance vehicle, as the last mile of road is fairly rough.
Directions
From Libby travel 1 mile north on Highway 37 to Pipe Creek Road. Turn left and follow for 19 miles, then turn right onto East Fork Pipe Creek Road/Big Creek Baldy Road 336. Proceed about three quarters of a mile and turn right onto Big Creek Baldy Mountain Road 309. Follow for 5 miles to the lookout. The last mile is fairly rough and requires high ground clearance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| 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) 293-7773 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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