Big Hole Lookout

About

Big Hole Peak Lookout is a historic fire lookout built in 1930 for what was originally the Cabinet National Forest. This Grange Hall-type structure is exceptionally rare, being one of only two remaining intact lookouts of this design on the Lolo National Forest. The 14-foot-square cabin sits atop a short talus foundation and was determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It served for fire detection until 1972 and was rehabilitated for public rental beginning in 2021. The lookout commands an impressive 360-degree view of multiple mountain peaks and valleys across the 2-million-acre forest. Access requires a 3-mile hike, bike ride, or horseback trip from the Big Hole Trailhead, reached via a 60-90 minute drive from Plains, Montana on steep and winding forest roads. The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests with one twin bed with mattress pad, two cots, a table with two chairs, and a wood stove for heating. Guests must be self-sufficient: pack in all water (a spring half-mile downhill provides non-potable water requiring filtration), bedding, cooking equipment, food, and flashlights. All trash and food must be packed out. The area is bear country, requiring proper food storage practices. A rustic vault toilet outhouse is located approximately 200 feet from the lookout.

Directions

From Plains, Montana travel northwest on Highway 200 for approximately 7.5 miles to Weeksville Creek Road (FR 887). Turn north onto Weeksville Creek Road and travel approximately 3 miles to Big Hole Road (FR 5587) and turn left. Travel Big Hole Road for approximately 17.5 miles to the Big Hole Trailhead. From the trailhead, hike 3 miles on the Big Hole Lookout Trail to reach the lookout.