Big Creek Baldy. Lookout Rental
Closed for the season. The lookout typically opens mid-June through late September, road conditions permitting. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Maximum stay is 5 consecutive nights with a required 7-day break before rebooking.
Air Quality Alert issued August 9 at 8:15AM MDT by NWS Great Falls MT
AQAMT The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an air quality alert for Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow counties in effect until 9AM on 08/10/2026 An Air Quality Alert means that particulates have been trending upwards and that an exceedance of the 24 hour National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) has occurred or may occur in the near future. Elevated particulate levels from wildfire smoke As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Columbia Falls are Very Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Dillon, Libby and Thompson Falls are Unhealthy. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Billings, Butte, Hamilton, Lewistown and Sleeping Giant are Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. As of 7AM on 08/09/2026, particulate levels in Cut Bank, Frenchtown, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Malta and Missoula are Moderate. When air quality is Very Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid any outdoor activity; everyone else should avoid prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should avoid prolonged exertion; everyone else should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups... State and local health officials recommend that people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should limit prolonged exertion. When air quality is Moderate... State and local health officials recommend that unusually sensitive people should consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. For more information visit the Montana Department of Environmental Quality at http://todaysair.mtdeq.us
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
Big Creek Baldy Lookout sits atop its namesake mountain in the Purcell Range of the Rocky Mountains within the Kootenai National Forest. This historic fire lookout has served as an observation point for spotting forest fires for over 60 years and now offers visitors a unique overnight rental experience with sweeping panoramic views of densely forested peaks, Lake Koocanusa, and the Yaak River valley. The 225-square-foot cabin crowns a 52-foot tower encircled by a catwalk. It sleeps four on one double bed and one twin bed, both with mattresses. The lookout is furnished with propane lights, a two-burner propane cooktop, heater, fire extinguisher, table, chairs, cleaning supplies, and some cooking utensils. Propane is provided. An outdoor campfire ring is available though firewood is not supplied. Guests must bring all water for drinking, cooking, and washing, as no potable water is available on-site. A vault toilet outhouse is located near the tower base. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle as the final mile of road is fairly rough. The surrounding Libby area offers more than 400 miles of summer trails, and the tower provides exceptional stargazing on clear nights. Bear-resistant food storage is required.
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 this road for 5 miles to the lookout. High-clearance vehicle recommended; the last mile is fairly rough.
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 | $55 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| 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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!